Rishabh Pant's Bravado Shot Makes Ben Stokes Laugh as India Takes Charge on Day 1 in Leeds

Day one of the inaugural Test between England and India at Headingley was a rememberable beginning to the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. It was filled with excitement drama and bold cricket particularly by India's vice-captain Rishabh Pant. One of the highlights was when Pant walked out after Tea and encountered only his second delivery. Unhesitant he charged down the track and punched a confident four straight over England captain Ben Stokes' head. The audacity of the shot left everyone taken aback including Stokes himself who couldn't help but smile in sheer disbelief at the temerity of it.

This light moment soon spread all over social media taking the lighter side of the fierce battle between bat and ball. It also reflected Pant's aggressive style of play which he has become famous for. His style sent a very clear message from the start that he was there to command and apply pressure on the bowlers again. And he so did by remaining unbeaten on 65 runs off 102 balls playing with panache and assurance.

Though Pant's theatrics evoked a smile even from the captain of the opposition the day belonged to the Indian batsmen who together made it a one-way performance. Well before Pant's turn to enter, India's young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal had already made a massive statement. Playing his maiden Test in English conditions Jaiswal plundered a majestic 101 from 159 balls. His innings was replete with loveliness of shots and impeccable timing as he hit 16 boundaries and a six. His stay at the crease provided India with the ideal platform early in the match.

As the innings went along it was the turn of Shubman Gill to impress and he took the chance with both hands. Debuting as the captain for the first time in Test cricket Gill was calm as much as he was aggressive. Coming in at number four he ensured to take the momentum forward and scored a brilliant unbeaten 127 of just 175 deliveries. His ton arrived in style with a beautiful cover drive off Tongue and was complemented by an enthusiastic celebration that revealed the significance it held for him. It was only his second away from home Test hundred and arrived at a crucial time for India.

The Indian innings progressed easily as Pant came together with Gill in the middle. The duo contributed speedy runs and kept the scoreboard running. Pant scored his fifty off a peculiarly shaped shot off Chris Woakes that just managed to reach the boundary. It was not the most graceful shot perhaps but it was one that worked and encapsulated the manner in which Pant's cricket is played — bold brave and anything but boring. He also achieved the mark of 3000 runs in Test cricket during his innings which is a remarkable feat for a player who plays in such a style.

India finished the day at a solid 359 for 3 in 85 overs and had thoroughly dominated England. It was a day of toil for the English bowlers who were unable to get their rhythm. Ben Stokes was able to claim two wickets including the key one of Jaiswal immediately after Tea. But otherwise the bowling department seemed lost at times awarding runs and not being able to create much pressure. The Indian batsmen made the most of it and kept the fielders on the job throughout the day.

Pant's aggressive mindset never wavered even when he experienced some nervous moments. In one shot he misjudged a shot off Bashir which fortunately sailed over mid-wicket but he soon made amends and kept attacking. He followed it up by hitting a six down the ground off the same bowler and continued with more boundaries with pull strokes paddle sweeps and aggressive lofts. Gill, in the meantime, kept attacking from the other side cutting and pulling the pacers and looking to score at all times.

The manner in which both Gill and Pant played not only treated the fans to entertainment but also highlighted the Indian team's confidence during this new Test cricket era. With their young captain leading and batsmen such as Jaiswal and Pant not showing any fear, it seems as though the team is adopting a new bold style. The alliance of Gill and Pant ensured India ended the day in a dominating position and left England with numerous questions to respond to.

Ben Stokes' response to the cheeky shot by Pant was a reminder that there is still space for humour and respect between players in cricket in the midst of competition. It was an innocent gesture but one which spoke well of the game and of the respect which leading players have frequently for one another.

As India enters Day Two with a strong score on the board and two set batters at the crease they will seek to add onto this good foundation. England, however, will have to regroup and try to find ways of ending the partnership and getting back into the game. Whatever is to happen next today will be remembered for its excellent batting daring shot play and a bit of hilarious moment which brought laughter to the ground amidst a high-drama Test match.