What a captaincy debut it has been for Shubman Gill. He wasn't the first choice for captaincy, but with not many options for India, he was handed the responsibility following the retirement of Rohit Sharma, and what a statement he made. Gill blasted a magnificent century on Day 1 to put India on top in the first Test against England at Headingley.

It was one of the most -clean innings played by an Indian batter in England. There were no false shots, and the timing was superb from the ball one. The century was written all over Gill ever since he stepped out to bat. He became the fifth Indian after Vijay Hazare (164* v ENG, 1951), Sunil Gavaskar (116 v NZ, ’76), Dilip Vengsarkar (102 v WI, ’87), and Virat Kohli (115 & 141 v AUS, 2015) to score a century on Test captaincy debut.

Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant Create History

Before Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal tormented the England bowlers, scoring his third century against the Three Lions. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant was also in sublime form and scored a brutal century to leave England reeling. This was Pant's seventh century and he surpassed MS Dhoni's record of most centuries by an Indian wicket-keeper.

Meanwhile, Gill, who was dismissed for 147, and Pant created history in Test cricket. This was the first instance of a captain and vice captain scoring centuries in their debut match as captain and vice captain respectively.

India On Top

India find themselves on top in the first Test after the three centuries. The team is heading towards a 500 run mark in the innings, which should be enough to put England under serious pressure. Meanwhile, centuries by Gill, Jaiswal and Pant were pleasing for India, however, Sai Sudharsan, who was making his debut, and Karun Nair, who made a comeback after seven years, was dismissed for ducks.

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