India Start Strong As England's Blunder Delivers 5 Bonus Runs In Test Opener

India could not have hoped for a better beginning to the opening Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Headingley. Day One proved to be a dream session for the guests as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill spearheaded a sound charge against England's bowling team. Jaiswal played a brilliant inning and scored his maiden Test century on English soil. His innings was laced with authority and confidence. Gill also played an impressive inning and scored his maiden half-century as a Test captain. They both formed an unbroken 123-run third-wicket stand and took India to a commanding 215 for 2 in just 51 overs at the tea break.

There was also a strange incident that caught everyone by surprise in the field. England were penalised five runs just before tea on a bizarre error. In one delivery Jaiswal edged a ball that did not reach the slip fielder Harry Brook and rolled past wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. The ball struck a helmet placed behind the keeper. As per cricket rules if the ball strikes any piece of fielding gear on the ground like a helmet then the batting team is given five penalty runs. That is exactly what transpired and the five runs were posted to India's score. Joe Root was left totally astounded and Ben Stokes looked agitated. This sudden occurrence turned heads and added a dramatic touch to England's difficult day in the middle.

Jaiswal's performance was a masterclass. Right from the start he had a clear plan to take charge. His strokes on the off-side were particularly powerful. He executed beautiful drives and sharp cuts and looked immensely at ease against the fast bowlers. He was fearless but controlled in his approach and looked in complete control all the time. Gill, on the other hand, was very sharp and confident from the very first ball. He left the ball cleverly when Ben Stokes delivered an outswinger and from that point he seemed to be set to lead from the front. His half-century was achieved on only 56 balls which was his quickest in Test cricket till then. He went unbeaten on 58 off 74 balls demonstrating his aggressive approach combined with sound shot selection.

The Indian batters were also getting help from the conditions. The Dukes ball softened as the session went on and the English bowlers found it difficult to make a dent. With the bowlers being unable to get any rhythm Jaiswal and Gill made most use of the conditions and played some lovely shots at the right time. Jaiswal, in particular, demonstrated incredible balance between defence and attack. He executed a stunning six over cover off Josh Tongue and then followed it up with a classy four through square when Shoaib Bashir entered the attack.

Gill played his role with equal composure and aggression. His strokeplay boasted beautiful drives and flicks particularly when against Chris Woakes who appeared to be slightly out of touch. One of the boundaries off Tongue raised Jaiswal's fifty while one stroke through the mid-wicket zone earned Gill his fifty as well. Jaiswal kept batting with the same rhythm even after suffering a small cramp in his right forearm. He played some lovely shots such as a slash and a loft over the infield which earned him good runs. His century was courtesy of a straightforward shot to point and he walked tall basking in the moment with a grin as the crowd and his teammates cheered.

By the time tea was announced India had gained complete command of the game. Their 215 for 2 demonstrated how good their batting was particularly as they had only lost two wickets and scored at a fast rate. The Jaiswal-Gill partnership had now become the best thing to happen in the day. With both of them not out and appearing settled India had placed themselves on course for a massive total.

The five-run penalty that England was given only added to the woes of the hosts. It was a sign of a momentary lapse and cost them heavily in a game in which runs were precious. Such errors though rare in international cricket do occur and this occurred at a time when England were already under stress. The response by Joe Root and the rest of the English players indicated how frustrating and unexpected the moment was. It contributed to the feeling that this was a day when England could not get anything right.

India's strategy was to perfection and their batsmen implemented it with maturity. Jaiswal's aggression coupled with Gill's captaincy and batting laid out the perfect platform for an exciting and dominant partnership. It was also obvious that both batsmen had worked well in English conditions and adapted quickly. With the ball not offering much swing and the dropped chances pouring more woes on England India seemed totally in charge.

This excellent beginning to the Test match has provided India with a golden chance of establishing a strong foundation in the series. If Jaiswal and Gill can continue playing in the same way on Day Two they might drive England further behind and leave the hosts in a very tricky situation. The alliance has already made it known that the Indian team is here to dominate and since the bowlers have not been introduced yet, the team will be sure of their possibilities in the future.

The weird five-run bonus was only one highlight in what was otherwise a day of stunning cricket by the Indians. England, however, will have plenty to think about to try and bounce back from a difficult opening day.