Yashasvi Jaiswal Makes History With Century On Test Debut In England

Yashasvi Jaiswal has achieved a feat no other batter in the history of cricket has ever managed.

Names like Viv Richards, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, Kumar Sangakkara, Virat Kohli, and AB de Villiers - legends from different eras and countries - never came close to matching what the young Indian opener has now done.

Photo Credit: AP/PTI

In the series opener of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Headingley in Leeds, Jaiswal struck his fifth Test century, which also marked his third against England and his first on English soil - on debut. With this remarkable innings, the 23-year-old became the first visiting batter in the history of the game to score a century in his maiden Test appearance in both England and Australia.

Jaiswal had previously notched 161 on his debut Test in Australia at Perth during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. On Friday, he replicated that success by registering a maiden century in England - again in his very first Test in the country.

It's worth noting that even the great Sachin Tendulkar scored centuries on his first tours to both countries, but not in his debut Test in either. Tendulkar's first century in England came in his second Test there, and in Australia, he got to three figures in his third Test, at Adelaide.

Jaiswal reached his hundred in style - striking consecutive boundaries off Brydon Carse in the 49th over, and then nudging a single off the final delivery to bring up his ton. His celebration was emphatic - leaping and shouting in elation - as he let the crowd at Headingley, and millions watching worldwide, witness a landmark moment. With this century, Jaiswal has now scored Test hundreds in Australia, the West Indies, and England.

Having scored a century on debut against the West Indies, and racking up over 700 runs in the home series against England last year, Jaiswal has continued his formidable form against the Three Lions - now on their own turf.
Strong Opening Stand and Steady Partnership with Gill

Jaiswal gave India a strong start on the opening morning alongside KL Rahul. The pair made the most of a rather underwhelming England pace attack, punishing anything too full or straying in line. Their 91-run opening stand provided the ideal platform before Rahul was dismissed for 42, caught by Joe Root off Brydon Carse, and debutant Sai Sudharsan fell for a duck soon after.

Jaiswal, however, held firm and found support from new captain Shubman Gill. The duo added an unbroken 123-run stand before tea, guiding India to 215-2. Gill was in fluent touch, racing to a 58* - his fastest Test half-century - playing authoritative strokes that nicely complemented Jaiswal's composed and precise innings.

The left-hander, who had shown signs of vulnerability against deliveries outside off stump in previous matches, displayed much-improved judgement and discipline. His hundred came from 144 balls, featuring 16 fours, blending patience with flair. Despite some cramp towards the end of the session, Jaiswal remained focused, eventually bringing up his century with a quick single after two successive boundaries.

Shortly after tea, however, he was dismissed for 101, bowled by a brilliant delivery from Ben Stokes that clipped the top of off-stump - ending a memorable knock but leaving a lasting impression.