The opening Test of the five-match series between India and England kicked off at Headingley Stadium in Leeds, where India, batting first, made a solid start. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul laid a great start with a 50-run partnership by the 15th over, both contributing 23 runs off 45 balls. Their fluent stroke play and sharp timing resulted in 16 boundaries till lunch break, guiding India to a promising total of 91 runs in just 24 overs by lunch.
However, the momentum slowed just before lunch. KL Rahul, after a solid 42, edged one to the slip cordon off Brydon Carse. Debutant Sai Sudharsan, eager to get off the mark, fell for a duck, caught down the leg side off Ben Stokes.
Score at Lunch
At lunch on Day 1, India stood at 92/2, with Jaiswal unbeaten on 42. While England managed to pull things back slightly with two quick wickets, the Indian side still ended the session in a strong position.
Brief Score: India 92/2 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 42*, KL Rahul 42; Brydon Carse 1/23).
Fresh Faces in India's Playing XI
India have introduced several fresh names in their playing XI. Sai Sudharsan made his Test debut, while Karun Nair returned to the squad after a long break—last featuring in 2017. Notably, seasoned players like Nitish Reddy and Kuldeep Yadav were left out.
India’s full playing XI for this Test includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant, Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.
