Leeds (UK), June 21: Indian cricket fans rejoiced as young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal struck his maiden Test century in England on Friday. The stylish left-hander played a composed and classy knock of 101 runs off 159 balls, decorated with 16 boundaries and 1 six, during the first Test match against England at Headingley, Leeds.
With this ton, Jaiswal not only anchored India’s innings but also etched his name alongside some of the greatest Indian batters who have scored Test centuries on English soil. His memorable innings has ignited fresh hopes among Indian fans for a strong start to the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.
Yashasvi Jaiswal on His Mindset After Historic Century
After reaching the milestone, Jaiswal shared his thoughts in a video released by the BCCI. Speaking candidly about his approach at the crease, he said:
“It is my desire, my will to do well. Whenever I come here, these things stay in my mind. I want to do well for my team and my country. I enjoy practising alone and preparing. I keep trying that every ball that I play will help me in difficult situations.”
This statement reflects the 23-year-old’s immense focus and dedication. For a player who rose from humble beginnings, Jaiswal’s disciplined work ethic continues to shine through his performances on the international stage.
Preparation Matters: Facing Bumrah and Harshit Rana in Intra-Squad Game
Interestingly, Jaiswal credited an intra-squad game between India and India A at Beckenham, Kent, as a crucial part of his preparation. Recalling the challenge, he said:
“There are many moments when we are under pressure. I enjoy the moments that I like. For example, we played in Beckenham. Rana was bowling very well. Bumrah was also bowling very well. I was not able to run, but I was playing well. That thing gave me so much confidence. It gives me so much belief that I will play well.”
Jaiswal’s maturity in recognising the value of tough match situations is proof of his growing stature as one of India’s premier Test openers.
Joining an Elite Club: Indian Batters With Centuries in Maiden England Tests
With his century, Jaiswal now joins an elite list of Indian batters who have scored Test centuries in their maiden Test innings in England, including:
- Sourav Ganguly (131 at Lord’s, 1996)
- Vijay Manjrekar (133 at Leeds, 1952)
- Sandeep Patil (129 at Manchester, 1982)*
- Murali Vijay (146 at Nottingham, 2014)
Jaiswal’s 101 at Headingley is not just a personal milestone but a continuation of India’s proud tradition of producing world-class openers who excel in challenging foreign conditions.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Incredible Test Record Against England
What makes Jaiswal’s rise even more astonishing is his dominance against England in Test cricket. Among Indian players who have played at least five Tests and scored at least 500 runs against England, Jaiswal holds the highest batting average:
- Matches: 6
- Innings: 10
- Runs: 813
- Average: 90.33
- Centuries: 3
- Fifties: 3
This shows that Jaiswal is becoming England’s nightmare with the bat, consistently producing big innings when it matters the most.
5 Test Centuries Before Age 24: A Star in the Making
This Headingley ton was Jaiswal’s fifth Test century, and remarkably, none of those centuries have come against Asian nations. His Test centuries by opponent:
- 3 vs England
- 1 vs Australia
- 1 vs West Indies
Additionally, Jaiswal has now achieved the rare feat of scoring a century on his maiden Test outings in Australia, the West Indies, and England. For any young batter, this speaks volumes about his adaptability across continents and pitches.
The Dismissal: Ben Stokes Gets the Breakthrough
Jaiswal’s brilliant innings came to an end shortly after Tea when England skipper Ben Stokes dismissed him for 101. While the dismissal slightly dampened the Indian dressing room’s mood, the foundation laid by Jaiswal has set up India strongly for the remainder of the Test match.
Why This Century Matters for India’s WTC 2025-27 Journey
This Test series against England marks the beginning of India’s campaign in the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. Starting with an away series in England is always challenging, but Jaiswal’s hundred provides the perfect start to India’s quest for another WTC Final appearance.
With senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the squad, alongside emerging stars like Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, the Indian batting lineup looks well-rounded and formidable.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: The Future of Indian Cricket
At just 23 years of age, Yashasvi Jaiswal has already shown that he has the technique, temperament, and hunger for runs to become one of India’s greatest Test openers in the years to come.
His journey from living in tents at Azad Maidan to representing India on the grandest stages of cricket is an inspiration to countless young cricketers across the country.
As India eyes another historic series win in England and sets its sights on WTC glory, Yashasvi Jaiswal will undoubtedly be a key player in this journey.
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