Stokes’ Bold Gamble Backfires as India Dominate IND vs ENG 1st Test Day 1 at Headingley

IND vs ENG 1st Test 2025: Jaiswal & Gill Centuries Punish England’s Bowl-First Decision

The India national cricket team seized control on IND vs ENG 1st Test Day 1, finishing at 359/3 after Ben Stokes controversially chose to bowl first at Headingley (20th June 2025). Yashasvi Jaiswal (101) and Shubman Gill (127*) dismantled England’s attack, exposing flaws in Stokes’ tactical gamble.

Match Scorecard: India vs England, 1st Test (Day 1)

• India: 359/3 (85 overs)
• Yashasvi Jaiswal: 101 (158)
• Shubman Gill: 127* (175)
• Rishabh Pant: 65 (102)
• England Bowling: Stokes 2/43, Carse 1/70
• Toss: England (Chose to bowl)

Stokes’ Controversial Decision: A Repeat of Hussain’s Brisbane Blunder?

Ben Stokes defended his call at the toss, citing a “greenish tinge” and moisture. Yet, under clear blue skies, India’s openers capitalized. Comparisons to Nasser Hussain’s 2002 Brisbane error emerged as England’s bowlers toiled without reward.

Why Did England Bowl First?

• Pitch Misread: Expected early swing that never came.
• Historical Bias: Last six Headingley winners bowled first (but in overcast conditions).
• Overconfidence in Bazball Chase Theory?

IND vs ENG 1st Test 2025: Jaiswal & Gill Centuries Punish England’s Bowl-First Decision

Yashasvi Jaiswal (101) – The Rising Star

• 5th Test century, proving his adaptability overseas.
• Aggressive yet controlled – 16 fours, 1 six.
• Dismissed by Stokes with a beauty seaming away.

Shubman Gill (127*) – From Prince to King

• Unbeaten at stumps, anchoring India’s dominance.
• Tore into England’s short-ball ploy – 34 runs off 31 balls vs Tongue.
• Now averages 52.6 in Tests since 2024.

Key Partnership:

• 138-run stand between Pant & Gill.
• 129-run stand between Jaiswal & Gill.
• England’s fielding lapses (dropped catches, no-balls) proved costly.

England’s Bowling Struggles: Where Did It Go Wrong?

1. Lack of Discipline: Too short or too wide.
2. Brydon Carse’s No-Ball Curse: Overstepped with Jaiswal on 45 (missed review).
3. Stokes the Lone Warrior: Only bowler with control (2/43).
4. Josh Tongue’s Pace Backfired: Gill targeted his bounce mercilessly.

Stokes’ Heroic But Futile Spell

• Bowled 7 straight overs post-tea (83mph avg speed).
• Dismissed Jaiswal & Sudharsan, but fatigue showed.
• Can his body hold up for 5 Tests?

What’s Next? Day 2 Preview

• India’s Target: 500+ to bat England out.
• England’s Hope: Early wickets to limit damage and chase.
• Key Battle: Pant (65*) vs Stokes.

Pitch Report:

• Flat but may deteriorate.
• Reverse swing crucial later.

Final Thoughts: India in Command

England’s bowl-first gamble failed spectacularly. With India at 359/3, Stokes faces a monumental task to avoid a series-defining deficit.

Will Bazball Chase Work? Or Is the Game Already Gone?

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Krishanu

My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
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