England skipper Ben Stokes won the toss and asked India to bat first on Day 1 of the Headingley Test in Leeds, kicking off the five-match Test series between the two nations on Friday. India, in the absence of star batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, built a strong foundation with opening batters KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal ensuring the travelling side had no loss of wickets in the first hour or so. The duo put up a partnership of 91 before Byrdon Carse undid Rahul following a thick edge in the slip cordon area. An alert Joe Root completed the catch and a disappointed Rahul to the hut for 42. Sai Sudharsan had a woeful start upon his debut, trapped by Stokes. Sudharsan was dismissed for a four-ball duck as the left-handed debutant tried to fend away a leg side ball only to end up knicking it to the wicketkeeper. India were reduced to 92 for 2. Gill, India’s new Test captain, playing at the much-discussed number 4 spot, joined Jaiswal in the middle. What happened next was a masterclass in Test batting. Both the batters brought up stunning centuries with captain Gill remaining unbeaten for 127 at stumps. Jaiswal, on the other hand, notched up a sublime 101. India’s wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant played his usual, whack shots occasionally but played a watchful innings as he piled up a quick and unbeaten 65 at the end of the day’s play. India plundered 359 at a loss of only three wickets in 85 overs that were bowled on Day 1. Pundits, commentators, and fans were in awe of the young side taking on the ultimate Test with such ease and calm. The manner and pace at which the fierce Indian batters scored on England’s turf also brought back the mention of Bazball. Test match cricket for decades stood for resilience, taking body blows, and defending till the sun came down. England, under coach Brendon McCullum, changed that. Sometime in 2022, Bazball term was coined and soon entered the Collins dictionary. “A style of Test cricket in which the batting side plays in a highly aggressive manner.” The term originates from McCullum’s nickname “Baz”. The nickname comes from the former New Zealander’s middle name ‘Barrie’. The new era of Test cricket has seen a significant shift in how England approaches the longest format in an exciting and swashbuckling manner. Why Did Bazball Trend On Day 1? Indian cricket fans, sarcastically shading England’s Bazball style, reminded the hosts that they had their moniker for blistering knocks. “Pantball”, “JaisBall”, “Gill-i-danda”. Bazball was invented in 2022 People before that- pic.twitter.com/CqqytdaZTp — Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) June 20, 2025 Bazball who ?? pic.twitter.com/pmgYOWzGOY — ً (@mostlyysarcasm) June 20, 2025 England this, Bazball that. Meanwhile Pillpuri: pic.twitter.com/cbvAo4wkU4 — Ahmed Says (@AhmedGT_) June 20, 2025 When Pant-ball meets Bazball.pic.twitter.com/Bm661XRXRq — CricTracker (@Cricketracker) June 20, 2025 The JaisBall is going strong vs BazBall #YashasviJaiswal #ENGvsIND pic.twitter.com/U9acQvDDlF — Ganesh ?? (@GaneshVerse) June 20, 2025 Jaiswal scored 101 runs from 159 balls, and captain Gill is unbeaten on 127 runs from 175 balls. Pant remains unbeaten on 65 from 102 balls.