India created history in the first Test against England as captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Rishabh Pant both scored centuries in their debut match in the leadership roles. Gill made a career-best 147, while Pant dazzled with a quick-fire 134, taking India to a strong position with a total of 471 in the first innings.
This was the first time in the 148-year history of Test cricket that a captain and vice-captain scored hundreds in the same match on their captaincy debuts. However, despite the brilliant batting, India experienced a sudden collapse, losing their last seven wickets for just 41 runs. This became the lowest ever total in Test history for a team where three batters had scored centuries in the same innings.
Pant’s Magical Knock and Record-Breaking Moment
India resumed Day Two from 359/3 and looked comfortable in the first phase of the session. Pant soon completed his seventh Test hundred, surpassing MS Dhoni for the most centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper in Tests. His century in England was also his third – a record for a visiting keeper.
He played a mix of audacious and elegant shots, including a falling scoop and a six over midwicket with one hand, which brought up his hundred in just 146 balls. Rishabh Pant celebrated with his trademark somersault, showcasing the gymnastic skills he had trained in as a youngster.
Together with Gill, he added 200 runs, highlighted by boundaries and powerful sixes. Their partnership ended when Gill was dismissed for 147 after miscuing a shot to deep square leg.
Collapse After the High
After Shubman Gill’s dismissal, Pant continued his aggressive play, hitting boundaries off Stokes and Bashir. But India’s momentum slowed as Karun Nair’s return to Test cricket ended after just four balls, caught brilliantly by Ollie Pope.
Pant then faced trouble from Josh Tongue, whose inswingers tested him. Eventually, Pant left a sharp delivery that struck him in front of the stumps, and he was given out lbw. Just before lunch, Shardul Thakur fell to Ben Stokes, caught behind.
India’s hopes of crossing 600 faded quickly with the lower order offering little resistance. Despite the late collapse, the landmark centuries by Gill and Pant ensured this Test would be remembered as a historic moment for Indian cricket.
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