### India Takes Command in First Test Against England with Stellar Centuries India's cricket team showcased a remarkable performance in the first Test against England at Headingley, with Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul both scoring centuries. This strong batting display has set England a daunting target of 371 runs to win the match. The Indian team, having posted 471 runs in their first innings, maintained a slender lead after England's response of 465 runs. The match has been characterized by aggressive batting and strategic bowling, with key players stepping up to the challenge. ### Breakdown of the Match Progression 1. **Day 1 Highlights**: - India dominated the first day, ending at 359-3, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill both scoring centuries [https://www.financialexpress.com/sports/india-vs-england-day-1-highlights-jaiswal-gill-shine-as-india-dominate-at-headingley/3888008]. - Jaiswal's 101 and Gill's 127 marked a strong start for India in their first Test series in England [https://www.indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/ind-vs-eng-leeds-test-day-1-india-records-gill-jaiswal-pant-rahul-10079538]. 2. **Day 2 Developments**: - Rishabh Pant contributed significantly with a century, scoring 134 runs, helping India reach 471 in their first innings [https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jun/23/england-india-first-test-day-four-match-report]. - England's response was strong, with notable performances from their batsmen, but they fell short by just six runs in the first innings [https://www.dawn.com/news/1919294/bumrah-and-brook-shine-before-rahul-edges-india-ahead-in-first-test]. 3. **Day 3 and 4 Highlights**: - Jasprit Bumrah's bowling was pivotal, taking five wickets and maintaining pressure on England [https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/ind-vs-eng-1st-test-jasprit-bumrah-kl-rahul-help-india-keep-control-23575897]. - On Day 4, KL Rahul's unbeaten 137 and Pant's aggressive batting helped India set a challenging target for England [https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/ind-vs-eng-1st-test-twin-centuries-lift-india-364-england-require-371-win-headingley-test-23577048]. ### Key Statistics and Performance Metrics - **Batting Performances**: - Rishabh Pant: 134 runs off 146 balls, including 10 fours and 4 sixes [https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jun/23/england-india-first-test-day-four-match-report]. - KL Rahul: 137 runs off 247 balls, with 18 boundaries [https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/ind-vs-eng-1st-test-twin-centuries-lift-india-364-england-require-371-win-headingley-test-23577048]. - Yashasvi Jaiswal: 101 runs, marking his first century in England [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3465886-jaiswal-shines-with-maiden-english-century]. - **Bowling Highlights**: - Jasprit Bumrah: 5 wickets in the first innings, crucial in restricting England's scoring [https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/ind-vs-eng-1st-test-jasprit-bumrah-kl-rahul-help-india-keep-control-23575897]. ### Conclusion: India in a Strong Position **India's commanding performance in the first Test against England has set the stage for a thrilling finish.** With a target of 371 runs, England faces a significant challenge, especially given India's strong bowling attack led by Bumrah. The match has highlighted the emergence of new stars in the Indian lineup, with both Pant and Rahul stepping up in crucial moments. 1. **Strong Batting**: India’s top order has shown resilience and skill, with multiple centuries scored. 2. **Effective Bowling**: Bumrah's performance has been instrumental in maintaining pressure on England. 3. **Challenging Target**: England must overcome a steep target, making the final day of the Test crucial for both teams. The outcome remains uncertain, but India's current form suggests they are well-positioned to secure a victory in this opening Test of the series [https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jun/23/england-india-first-test-day-four-match-report].