Indian batting prodigy Yashasvi Jaiswal etched his name into the annals of cricket history on Day 1 of the first Test against England at Headingley. The 23-year-old opener smashed a brilliant century, scoring 101 off 159 balls, and in doing so, became the first-ever batter to maintain a Test average of over 90 against England—surpassing the legendary Sir Donald Bradman.
Jaiswal’s latest hundred takes his tally to 813 runs against England in just 10 innings, giving him a staggering average of 90.33. This incredible feat overtakes Bradman’s historic average of 89.78 across 63 innings against the English. The significance of this achievement is monumental, considering Bradman’s average had stood unchallenged for decades.
A Knock for the Ages
The innings was not just about the numbers—it was a masterclass in skill, temperament, and resilience. Jaiswal started confidently, forming a 91-run opening partnership with KL Rahul. He reached his half-century with elegant strokes all around the wicket and never looked troubled against the English attack. His century was marked by 16 boundaries and a towering six, showcasing both finesse and aggression.
He did, however, battle through cramps in his forearm during the latter half of his innings. Despite the discomfort, Jaiswal remained focused and determined, raising his bat in triumph after crossing the century mark. His celebration—helmet off, arms raised, eyes closed in relief and pride—was a fitting end to a landmark innings.
Surpassing the Don
Sir Donald Bradman’s name is synonymous with batting greatness. His 89.78 average against England came from 5,028 runs across 63 innings—numbers once thought untouchable. For Jaiswal to surpass this with less than 10 matches under his belt is a testament to his exceptional talent and consistency.
Jaiswal’s current average of 90.33 is not just a statistical quirk—it has been built through sustained excellence. With centuries against England in India and now in English conditions, the left-hander is rapidly establishing himself as a global batting phenomenon.
India’s Best Day 1 in England
Jaiswal’s hundred anchored what turned out to be India’s best Day 1 performance in a Test match on English soil. At stumps, India were 359 for 3—a record for them on the opening day of a Test in England. Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 127, while Rishabh Pant added a fiery 65 not out off just 102 balls.
The innings featured poise from Gill, flamboyance from Pant, and maturity from Jaiswal—signaling a generational shift in India’s Test batting order. The trio’s performance ensured India ended the day in a commanding position, setting the tone for a potentially series-defining match.
Social Media Reactions: “Jaisball” is Born
Jaiswal’s feat lit up social media, with fans and cricket pundits hailing his rise as nothing short of legendary. The term “Jaisball” quickly trended online—a witty nod to England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach—suggesting that India had found its own response.
Comments flooded platforms, with fans writing, “The answer to Bazball is Jaisball,” and others proclaiming, “A Test century in England in your very first innings there—he’s not just talented, he’s generational.”
Even neutral observers praised Jaiswal’s ability to mix aggression with patience, calling him one of the most exciting Test batsmen in the world right now.
A Glimpse into the Future
Jaiswal’s meteoric rise couldn’t have come at a better time for India. With Virat Kohli nearing the twilight of his career and Rohit Sharma also in the latter stages, the team needs new torchbearers. Jaiswal, along with Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, appears ready to take the baton.
His technique has proven effective on both spin-friendly and seaming tracks. And his hunger for runs, calm temperament, and ability to rise in big moments mark him out as a rare talent in today’s game.
Looking Ahead
As the match enters Day 2, India is poised for a mammoth total. With Gill and Pant looking set, and the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur yet to bat, England will need something special to claw their way back into the contest.
For Yashasvi Jaiswal, though, the series has already taken on historic significance. By overtaking Don Bradman’s iconic record, he has not only made headlines but also delivered a bold message to the cricketing world: a new giant has arrived, and he wears the blue cap of India.
