Leeds, England – June 21, 2025 – A new era of India-England Test cricket commenced with fireworks at Headingley as India, under the fresh leadership of Shubman Gill, asserted their dominance over England in the inaugural Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy Test. After two days of compelling cricket, the visitors are firmly in the driver’s seat, thanks to a batting masterclass led by centurions Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Gill himself, ably supported by a dynamic Rishabh Pant.
The much-anticipated five-match series, now christened the “Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy” in a fitting tribute to cricketing legends Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson, began on June 20, 2025. This historic renaming, a joint initiative by the ECB and BCCI, replaces the previous Pataudi and Anthony De Mello Trophies, signifying a fresh chapter in one of Test cricket’s most storied rivalries. A Pataudi Medal will now be awarded to the winning captain, ensuring the family’s legacy remains intertwined with the series.
Day 1: India’s Batting Blitz
Electing to bowl first after winning the toss, England captain Ben Stokes would have hoped for early breakthroughs on a Headingley pitch that usually offers something for the fast bowlers. However, India’s young brigade had other plans. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, continuing his impressive run in Test cricket, showcased sublime touch, crafting a magnificent century. He was initially partnered by KL Rahul, who contributed a steady 42 runs in a 91-run opening stand.
Despite losing Rahul and debutant Sai Sudharsan (who fell for a duck) in quick succession just before lunch, bringing the score to a slightly wobbly 92/2, India quickly regained composure. The new captain, Shubman Gill, stepped up to the occasion, exhibiting a blend of classy stroke-play and calm authority. He formed a crucial 129-run partnership with Jaiswal, steering India out of any potential trouble. Jaiswal’s century was a testament to his growing stature in Test cricket, marking his fifth ton and further solidifying his reputation.
As the day progressed, England’s bowlers, including the venerable James Anderson, who will undoubtedly be eager to make his mark on the trophy bearing his name, struggled to contain the flow of runs. The conditions, surprisingly hot and humid for Headingley, offered little assistance to the pacers, further aiding the Indian batsmen. Rishabh Pant, batting at number five, joined Gill and wasted no time in unleashing his aggressive brand of cricket, reaching a well-deserved half-century. By stumps on Day 1, India had amassed a formidable 359 for 3, with Shubman Gill unbeaten on 127 and Rishabh Pant on 65, showcasing a clear intent to dominate.
Day 2: India Consolidates as Rain Looms
Resuming on Day 2 from their commanding position of 359/3, the onus was on Gill and Pant to further extend India’s advantage and put the game beyond England’s reach. The morning session saw them continue to bat with confidence, negating any early swing or seam that England’s pacers, particularly Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes, tried to generate. Gill, in particular, looked poised to convert his overnight century into a much larger score, reaching his career-best Test score. Pant, meanwhile, continued to play his natural attacking game, finding boundaries and keeping the scoreboard ticking.
However, the weather forecast for Day 2 suggested a change in conditions, with a high chance of rain in the afternoon, potentially providing the English bowlers with more assistance from the overcast skies. While the pitch itself wasn’t expected to deteriorate significantly, the atmospheric conditions could introduce more swing and seam movement, challenging the Indian batsmen’s technique and temperament.
Despite the looming threat of precipitation, the early hours of Day 2 were characterized by continued Indian ascendancy. The partnership between Gill and Pant blossomed, putting immense pressure on the English fielding side. India’s strategy appeared clear: bat England out of the game and then unleash their formidable bowling attack.
As of the current reports filtering in, India has successfully built on their strong Day 1 performance, maintaining their control over the match. The series, now enriched by the symbolism of the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy, promises to deliver many more captivating encounters as two cricketing powerhouses vie for supremacy. The cricketing world awaits to see if England can find a way to claw back into this opening Test, or if India will continue its relentless march towards a commanding victory.
Scorecard – India vs England, 1st Test, Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy 2025 Headingley, Leeds
Day 1 – Stumps
Toss: England won the toss and elected to field.
India 1st Innings: 359/3 (85 Overs)
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 101 | 158 | 16 | 1 | 63.92 | b Ben Stokes |
| KL Rahul | 42 | 78 | 8 | 0 | 53.84 | c Joe Root b Brydon Carse |
| Sai Sudharsan | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | c Jamie Smith b Ben Stokes |
| Shubman Gill (C) | 127* | 175 | 16 | 1 | 72.57 | Batting |
| Rishabh Pant (Wk) | 65* | 102 | 6 | 2 | 63.72 | Batting |
| Yet to Bat: Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna | ||||||
| Extras | 24 | (b 1, lb 10, wd 1, nb 7, pen 5) | ||||
| Total | 359/3 | 85 Overs | (Run Rate: 4.22) |
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Fall of Wickets:
- 1-91 (KL Rahul, 24.5 ov)
- 2-92 (Sai Sudharsan, 25.4 ov)
- 3-221 (Yashasvi Jaiswal, 52.3 ov)
England Bowling:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Woakes | 19 | 2 | 89 | 0 | 4.68 |
| Brydon Carse | 16 | 5 | 70 | 1 | 4.37 |
| Josh Tongue | 16 | 0 | 75 | 0 | 4.68 |
| Ben Stokes | 13 | 1 | 43 | 2 | 3.30 |
| Shoaib Bashir | 21 | 4 | 66 | 0 | 3.14 |
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Day 2 – Morning Session Updates (as reported)
India 1st Innings continued from 359/3
- Shubman Gill reached his career-best Test score.
- Rishabh Pant scored his first boundary of the day early in the session.
- Brydon Carse bowled a tidy first over of Day 2, conceding only a single.
- The partnership between Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant continues to build pressure on England.
(Please note: Full Day 2 scorecard details will be available at the close of play. The above reflects the ongoing situation and key updates from the morning session.)