The second Test between India and England got off to a fiery start in Visakhapatnam, with young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal stealing the show with a magnificent unbeaten 179. His knock put India in a commanding position at stumps, ending Day 1 with a score of 336/6. Let’s delve into the key moments that unfolded.

A Day of Grit and Glory at the ACA-VDCA Stadium

England, having won the toss, opted to bowl first on a pitch that offered some assistance to the seamers. However, the Indian batsmen, led by the aggressive Jaiswal, showed their intent from the outset. Captain Rohit Sharma fell early, but Jaiswal found a solid partner in Shubman Gill, and the duo stitched together a crucial 84-run stand.

Jaiswal’s Masterclass: A Ton for the Ages

The spotlight soon shifted entirely to Jaiswal as wickets fell at the other end. He batted with a blend of composure and aggression, defying the English bowlers with his elegant strokeplay. He brought up his fifty in just 65 deliveries and continued to pile on the runs, reaching his maiden Test century in India in style with a six.

Milestones and Records:

• Jaiswal’s 179 is the second-highest score by an Indian batsman on Day 1 against England in a Test match, only behind Karun Nair’s 232.
• This is his second Test century, following his 171 on debut against West Indies.
• He batted for 257 balls, facing 286 deliveries and hitting 22 fours and 4 sixes.

Conclusion: England Face an Uphill Battle

India ended the day with a healthy lead of 224 runs with four wickets remaining. While England managed to pick up wickets at regular intervals, they were unable to put any significant pressure on the Indian batsmen. Jaiswal’s heroics have put India in a commanding position, and it will be interesting to see how England respond on Day 2.