Daijiworld Media Network - Headingley

Headingley, Jun 21: As the shadows lengthened at Headingley, Rishabh Pant lit up the evening with a moment of pure audacity. With just one over left on day 1 of the first Test, Pant danced down the track and launched Chris Woakes over deep square leg for six—an audacious stroke at a time when most would simply look to play out the day.

It left bowler Woakes, England skipper Ben Stokes, and much of the Headingley crowd in stunned amusement. But the most telling reaction came from KL Rahul at the dressing room steps, who mockingly bowed to Pant, acknowledging the left-hander’s fearless flourish that took India to a commanding 359/3 at stumps.

Pant’s unbeaten 65 off 91 balls, with seven fours and two sixes, wasn’t reckless. It was trademark Pant—timed, measured, and devastating. His late-session blitz provided the perfect cap to a dominant day for India, who were put into bat on a green-tinged surface.

Earlier, Yashasvi Jaiswal set the tone with a stylish 101, becoming the first visiting player to hit centuries in debut Tests in both Australia and England. His strokeplay oozed confidence before he fell shortly after reaching his hundred.

Shubman Gill, leading India for the first time in Tests, held fort with a captain’s knock—an unbeaten 127 that showed composure, poise, and leadership. His assured presence at the crease gave India the platform to dictate terms.

KL Rahul, who opened the innings, chipped in with a gritty 42, sharing a crucial 91-run stand with Jaiswal. The only blemish on the scoreboard was debutant Sai Sudharsan’s duck—dismissed nervously after Rahul’s departure.

With Pant’s fireworks, Gill’s anchor role, and a strong top-order showing, India closed the day on top. As England regroup, all eyes will be on Day 2—and whether Pant has more magic in store.