Yashasvi Jaiswal shone bright in the first Test of the five-match series in England, slamming a magnificent 101 on the opening day of the Leeds Test.

An elegant batter who has already earned accolades for his exploits on the off-side, Jaiswal has now become the first Indian batter to score centuries in his first match in both Australia and England. Three of the 23-year-old’s five centuries have come against England, having amassed a colossal 813 runs in 10 Tests when facing Brendon McCullum’s side.

After stumps, the batter revealed that he batted through cramps in both hands during his innings -but braved the discomfort and batted on to set the record.

“I had cramps in both hands but it happens,” Jaiswal said while wearing a smile on his face during the post-day press conference. “I kept working on my game so that I can express myself in the middle. Amazing to bat with Shubman Gill and enjoyed my time in the middle with him.”

Jaiswal's innings was studded with 16 fours and a six as he batted with a solid strike rate of 63.52. His century propelled India to post a commanding 359 for 3 at stumps after being sent in to bat by England captain Ben Stokes. His 129-run partnership with India captain Shubman Gill for the third wicket laid the foundation for a powerful start to India’s red-ball reset.

With iconic batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma no longer in the team, the eyes were on India’s batting line-up, high on youth. And Jaiswal was well aware of it and said, “We will try and do well for our team and the country. Mental switch is very important when you are playing under pressure. To stay in a good environment is key.”

Jaiswal needed 144 balls to reach the three-figure mark. During his innings, he batted with patience and flair, even as cramps disturbed him. “Preparations were very good before the series in Beckenham. The ground was so good, great atmosphere. There were challenges today as well,” he said, underscoring the hard yards put in ahead of the series.

When Day 2 begins, captain Gill will resume on 127 - his first century as captain and sixth overall -with his deputy Rishabh Pant, who is batting on 65. Gill became only the fourth Indian to score a ton in his maiden innings as Test skipper. He now shares the milestone with Vijay Hazare, Sunil Gavaskar, and Virat Kohli.

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