First Since 2012: Indian openers survive opening storm at Headingley

In a historic moment for Indian Test cricket, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul rewrote the history books on Day 1 of the first Test against England at Headingley as the first visiting opening pair to survive the first 20 overs at the venue since 2012. Headingley, renowned for its vicious swing in English conditions and being more seam-friendly than most grounds in England, is one of the hardest venues for visiting teams, especially during the first hour of play. 

The Indian openers showed excellent patience and application against an English bowling attack featuring James Anderson and Mark Wood. Jaiswal defended brilliantly whilst punishing any of Anderson’s loose deliveries with ease, and Rahul refused to succumb to the pressure by playing deft cuts and leaving the ball with a calmness that allowed him to withstand Anderson and Wood's onslaught of seam, swing, and pace. Their early resistance would cut off England's momentum and send a clear message from India that they have an intent to dig in and build a platform in overcast conditions that has seen visiting teams previously fall into the trap of early dismissal.

The last time visiting teams showed this level of dedication and intent at Headingley was during 2012, when South Africa's Graeme Smith and Alviro Petersen put on a decent stand. For India, not only did this opening partnership end a 13-year drought at Headingley, but it also showed their grit and preparation as they launched into their World Test Championship 2025–27 campaign.

For a first time SINCE 2012, a visiting pair has survived the first 20 overs of a Test at Headingley 🙌

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— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 20, 2025

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India Lose Two Wickets Just Before Lunch While Good Start Was Changed

As India crossed the historic 20-over mark, they could not take all their wickets into lunch. After the first morning's play and at lunch on Day 1, India was 65/2, which is not a bad position considering the two quick wickets they lost after a good start. Yashasvi Jaiswal had a good batting order and remained somewhat composed with patience, making 42 off 74 balls on a tricky surface for batting.
However, both KL Rahul (42 off 78) and debutant Sai Sudharsan (0 off 4) fell to quick wickets five minutes before the break. Rahul opened the face, trying to guide one of the slips, and was caught behind. Sudharsan, who had immense pressure in his first innings, edged one and was caught by the wicketkeeper without scoring.
The morning session was partly a success and partly a failure, but India passing the first stage of the storm and vanquishing Headingley in their long-running curse is a significant outcome moving forward in the match.