Yashasvi Jaiswal becomes the first Indian opener since 1932 to score centuries in his debut Tests in both England and Australia
A Century of Firsts: Jaiswal Historic Feat at Headingley
On June 20, 2025, under the cloudy skies of Headingley, Yashasvi Jaiswal carved out a moment that will echo through Indian cricket history. With a composed and courageous 101 off 159 balls, the 23-year-old became the first Indian opener since India’s Test debut in 1932 to score centuries in his first Test matches in both England and Australia.
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Jaiswal’s innings was a masterclass in adaptability. Facing a disciplined English attack on a pitch offering early movement, he weathered the storm with patience before unleashing his trademark strokeplay. His knock included 16 boundaries and a six, and he reached the three-figure mark with a single off Brydon Carse in the 49th over.
What makes this feat even more remarkable is the context. In November 2024, Jaiswal had scored 161 in his debut Test in Perth against Australia. Now, with his Headingley hundred, he joins an elite club of Indian batters, like Sunil Gavaskar and Sourav Ganguly, who’ve scored debut centuries abroad. But he stands alone as the only Indian to do so in both England and Australia.
Grit, Grace, and Glory: The Making of a Modern Great
Jaiswal’s journey from the maidans of Mumbai to the grandstands of Headingley is the stuff of cricketing dreams. But this innings was not just about flair, it was about resilience. Battling cramps in both hands, he pushed through discomfort to anchor India’s innings alongside captain Shubman Gill, who remained unbeaten on 127.
Their 129-run partnership for the third wicket laid the foundation for India’s commanding 359/3 at stumps. Jaiswal’s ability to rotate strike, punish loose deliveries, and communicate effectively with his partner showcased a maturity beyond his years. His tactical awareness—like instructing Gill to call out loud “no”s to avoid run-out confusion, was a subtle but telling sign of his growing leadership instincts.
This wasn’t just a century, it was a statement of intent. With legends like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli having stepped away from the longest format, Jaiswal’s performance signals a seamless transition into a new era of Indian Test cricket.
A Record-Breaking Day for Indian Cricket
Jaiswal’s milestone was just one of many on a day that saw India post their highest-ever Day 1 total in a Test match on English soil. His average against England now stands at a staggering 90.33, surpassing even Don Bradman’s legendary 89.78 (minimum 500 runs).
He also became the first left-handed Indian opener to score a century in England, a feat that had eluded Indian cricket for 93 years. While 15 Indian openers have scored centuries in England, all were right-handers until Jaiswal’s breakthrough.
The innings also marked his fifth Test century in just 20 matches, taking his run tally to 1,899 at an average exceeding 54. These aren’t just numbers, they’re the building blocks of a legacy in the making.
Conclusion:
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Headingley hundred is more than a personal triumph, it’s a symbol of India’s cricketing evolution. In a team undergoing generational change, his poise, power, and purpose offer a glimpse into a future that’s as promising as it is exciting. As the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy unfolds, one thing is clear: Jaiswal isn’t just playing the game, he’s redefining it.
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