On June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds, during the first Test match between India and England, Yashasvi Jaiswal created history. On Day 1, the youthful Indian opener amassed 101 runs off of 159 balls. He achieved this century, making him the youngest Indian batter to reach hundreds in Test matches in England, Australia, and the West Indies.
He’s only twenty-three. It was his fifth century in Test cricket. India finished Day 1 at 237/3 in just 59 overs thanks to his knock. Jaiswal hit 16 boundaries and one six while batting with complete control. During his innings, he also struggled with forearm cramps, but he persisted in staying at the crease.
He and Shubman Gill, India’s new Test captain, had a significant 129-run partnership. Gill played a composed and assured knock and was still not out at 65.
Jaiswal scored tonnes in Australia (161 at the Perth, 2024) and the West Indies (171 on debut in Roseau, 2023), but this is his first century in England. He is the youngest Indian batter to score a Test hundred in all three nations.
In difficult English conditions, he played his innings. It was swinging. It was chilly outside. Stokes, Carse, and Anderson were among England’s bowlers. Jaiswal, however, was patient and played astute cricket.
This century demonstrates that Jaiswal is more than just a gifted player; even when playing away from home, he is a major match-winner for India.
A Ton in Every Hemisphere
Jaiswal has only been playing Test cricket for two years. However, he has already amassed five hundred. In July 2023, he made his spectacular debut in the West Indies, scoring 171. Then, during the 1st Day Test at the Perth in Australia in November 2024, there was a gritty hundred.
He has now accomplished yet another significant milestone in the opening game of a crucial five-Test series in England. At Headingley, he scored his century on a pitch that is known to be difficult for visiting hitters and against the swinging red Duke ball.
Breaking Records at Headingley
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s century on the first day of the Headingley Test broke numerous records.
At Headingley, he became the first opener from India to reach a hundred runs in a Test match. This was the first time an Indian opener had ever done this at this stadium.
Additionally, he became the youngest Indian to score hundreds in Test matches in England, Australia, and the West Indies. He is only 23 years and 108 days old.
One of the few Indian batsmen to reach a century in his first Test match in England is Jaiswal. Jaiswal is the only opener to do so since 1996, but Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly are also members of this exclusive group.
Additionally, he is the first Indian to score hundreds in both Australia and England during his debut. Not even cricket greats like Sunil Gavaskar, Virat Kohli, or Sachin Tendulkar have accomplished this.
His consistency in international cricket is demonstrated by the fact that he has now scored five Test hundreds in just 20 games.
India also got off to a strong start in the series thanks to this Headingley tonne. In swinging, cloudy conditions on Day 1—which are typically difficult for visiting batters—it assisted the team in taking command.
Jaiswal is now regarded as one of the greatest Indian openers in Test history. And he’s just getting started.
Battling Conditions and Cramps
His innings wasn’t easy. Jaiswal dealt with forearm cramps mid-way through the session. England bowlers, especially Brydon Carse and Ben Stokes, tested him with short balls and swing. But he kept going.
His partnership of 129 runs with new Test captain Shubman Gill changed the momentum of the match. Together, they countered the early breakthroughs by England and silenced the home crowd.
A New Era for India
This century is more than just personal glory. It signals a new chapter in Indian Test cricket.
With Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin having stepped away from Test cricket, a fresh core is taking shape. Shubman Gill is leading the side. Rishabh Pant is back. And Jaiswal is fast becoming India’s most dependable overseas opener.
What This Means
India hasn’t won a Test series in England since 2007. With the series opener being part of the newly introduced Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, this century sets the tone.
Day 1 clearly belonged to India, and Jaiswal was the star.
Final Word
At Headingley, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s century is more than just a significant total.
It demonstrates his readiness to guide India’s batting in challenging circumstances. He played bravely, patiently, and with confidence.
He dealt with the fast bowlers from England. He had to deal with pressure, bounce, and swing. Nevertheless, he reached 101 and stood tall.
This is not his first major setback. In Australia and the West Indies, he has already scored hundreds. He now includes England on the list.
Jaiswal is making cricket history in India at the young age of 23.
In international Test matches, India needs players with strength. Jaiswal is demonstrating his ability to be that player.
The future belongs to the new stars now that Rohit, Kohli, and others are no longer with the team.
And Jaiswal is shining the brightest right now.
This hundred is just the start. There’s a lot more to come from him.
