Trisha Ghosal in Leeds
The opening day of the five-Test series at Headingley unfolded as a tough one for England. After winning the toss and choosing to bowl, Ben Stokes’ side was met with a resolute Indian batting unit that took full advantage of a docile surface and warm conditions. Yet amid the long spells of toil, Stokes stood tall, delivering with the ball and emerging as England’s only bright spot.
Stokes, who has battled knee and hamstring issues over the past two years, marked his return to bowling in Tests with a fiery 16 overs. In sweltering heat, he dismissed debutant Sai Sudharsan for a duck and later broke a threatening stand by bowling Yashasvi Jaiswal with a rapid 87 mph delivery. It was a rare moment of joy for the home crowd, as India closed on 359 for 3.
India’s day belonged to Shubman Gill, who marked his captaincy debut with a polished century. Jaiswal too impressed with his hundred – launching an early onslaught and adding a hundred-run stand with Gill. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant chipped in with valuable contributions, while England’s bowlers laboured with little reward. Chris Woakes struggled, Josh Tongue’s bouncers lacked menace, and young off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was comfortably dealt with.
The absence of Gus Atkinson and the continued wait for Jofra Archer were felt keenly. Stokes’ decision to bowl first was based on Headingley’s recent history favouring sides doing so, but in the searing conditions and without help from the surface, the move appeared to misfire.
Brydon Carse offered a brief spark, dismissing Rahul before lunch and nearly removing Jaiswal, only to be denied by a no-ball. India reached 92 for 2 at the break. Jaiswal then continued to make merry and Gill, in sublime touch, kept piling on runs in the second session. A quirky five-run award came when a Jaiswal edge ricocheted off an unused helmet.
England bowling consultant Tim Southee praised Stokes’ effort, calling him a “real X-factor” and saying: “He’s in great shape… bowling as well as I’ve seen him in a while.”
On a day where everything else went against England, it was Stokes’ resolve that prevented complete gloom.