June 21, 2025: Former England pacer Stuart Broad has praised India’s dominant batting display of the first Test at Headingley, calling it a performance that could potentially put the match beyond England’s reach. India finished the day strongly at 412/3, with captain Shubman Gill unbeaten on 144 and Rishabh Pant on 98, continuing a 138-run fourth-wicket partnership.
Put in to bat first by England captain Ben Stokes, India’s openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal stitched a solid 91-run stand to lay the platform. While Rahul departed for 42, Jaiswal continued to make history with a fluent hundred, his maiden Test ton on English soil. Broad, speaking on JioCinema, commended the maturity and precision shown by India’s young batting unit.
“If India go past 550, this game could be out of reach for England,” Broad said.
“They judged the tempo brilliantly, made the bowlers work hard, and did not give away easy wickets. Without a doubt, it was India’s day.”
“Drive After Drive” – On India’s Shot Selection
Broad highlighted the Indian batters’ ability to play the full-length deliveries England offered, especially on a surface like Headingley, which statistically favors pitched-up bowling.
“It might look like England bowled poorly when you see the highlights, but that was just exceptional batting—drive after drive, played with great timing and patience.”
He added that Jaiswal and Rahul were particularly impressive in how they handled swing, with India showing a better read of the conditions than expected.
Turning Point and England’s Missed Chance
England had a brief opening before lunch, picking up two quick wickets. Broad noted this as a moment of hope that fizzled out as Gill and Jaiswal rebuilt after the break.
“England would have wanted 5-6 wickets on Day 1, which would’ve been a strong start. But the way Gill and Jaiswal shut that down in the middle session was world-class.”
Day 2: The New Ball, or a New Nightmare?
Looking ahead, Broad said England must strike early on Day 2 to stay in the match.
“The new ball will be key. If they can’t break this stand early, Gill and Pant could take the game away completely.”
India at Stumps – Day 2
- 412/3
- Shubman Gill – 144*
- Yashasvi Jaiswal– 101
- Rishabh Pant – 98*
- KL Rahul – 42
With momentum firmly on their side, India will look to push beyond 550 on Day 2—while England’s bowlers face a stiff test to claw their way back into the game.