It was a 22-year-old's grit that lit up the cricketing arena of Y. S. Rajashekar Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium on day one of the India vs England second Test as Yashasvi Jaiswal with sheer determination and skill, stole the spotlight with an outstanding unbeaten 179 off 257 balls that puts him in an elite list alongside greats like Sachin Tendulkar.

This marked Jaiswal's second Test century in just six matches. At just 22 years of age, the young Indian opener on Friday became the fourth Indian to score Test hundreds at both home and away. Jaiswal's innings, laced with 17 boundaries and five towering sixes, showcased his impeccable skill and determination. Unlike the series opener, he not only seized the opportunity but propelled himself to the summit of the order with a performance that secured his spot for the foreseeable future.

The youngster's fearless approach was evident as he effortlessly switched gears during the second session, accumulating 122 runs in 32 overs, steering India to 225 for three. Jaiswal's ability to mix classical shots with audacious strokes was a sight to behold, epitomised by a massive six over long-on to bring up his century off the bowling of Tom Hartley.

Despite Jaiswal's heroics, India faced setbacks with the dismissals of Axar Patel (27 off 51) and Srikar Bharat (17 off 23) towards the end of the day's play. Debutant Rajat Patidar (32 off 72) showed promise but fell victim to a delivery from leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed, while Shreyas Iyer (27 off 59) failed to capitalize on a promising start, falling victim to a sharp catch by Ben Foakes off Hartley's bowling.

Shoaib Bashir's meteoric rise, Anderson's precision: England's bowling highlights

England's bowler Shoaib Bashir bowls a delivery during the first day of the second Test cricket match between India and England, at Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam PTI

England's debutant Shoaib Bashir, standing tall at 6'4", emerged as the most successful spinner, claiming two crucial wickets, including the prized scalp of Rohit Sharma. Veteran James Anderson, returning to the side after a hiatus since July last year, showcased his class with economical figures of 17-3-30-1.

Bashir's journey to Test cricket mirrors the romanticism of Jaiswal's rise to prominence. Released by Surrey and subsequently picked up by Somerset, Bashir was plying his trade in club cricket just last summer. However, fate intervened when his bowling exploits caught the attention of none other than England captain Ben Stokes on Twitter. Identified as a potential asset for the tour, a visa delay initially sidelined him, delaying his arrival until Sunday.

Yet, upon finally donning the England cap, Bashir proved his worth with a stellar debut performance. Despite having played only six first-class matches prior, the young spinner showcased remarkable talent and composure. It took him fewer than four overs to deceive Rohit Sharma with his turn, inducing a fatal push to leg slip and igniting jubilant celebrations.

In stark contrast to Bashir's youthful exuberance stands the seasoned campaigner, James Anderson, who, at 41, became the oldest seamer to ever grace a Test match in India. Anderson's performance was a testament to his enduring skill and precision. Throughout the day, he maintained control, exhibited craftiness, and operated with an unmatched economy. His dismissal of Shubman Gill, luring him into an edge behind, underscored his enduring class.

While Bashir and Anderson held sway, Tom Hartley, unable to replicate his heroics from Hyderabad, found solace in a brilliant catch by Ben Foakes off Shreyas Iyer's under-edge. Joe Root, despite opening the bowling, struggled to make an impact with the ball, resembling a batter rather than a bowler. Meanwhile, Rehan Ahmed, introduced just before tea, made a tidy contribution, forcing Rajat Patidar into a fatal mistake.

An evenly poised contest for Day two

India's Yashasvi Jaiswal being greeted by England's captain Ben Stokes after the end of play on the first day of the second cricket test match between India and England, at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, in Visakhapatnam PTI

England's bowlers could have wilted under the pressure exerted by Jaiswal and Axar Patel's partnership, but Bashir's persistence ultimately paid off. Even his worst delivery claimed the vital wicket of Axar, reaffirming his potential as a match-winner. Ahmed followed suit, dismissing Srikar Bharat in a manner almost identical to Bashir's success.

In pursuit of a comeback after the defeat in Hyderabad, India's aim on day two would be to reach a total of at least 500. The pitch, displaying variable bounce, hinted at posing challenges from day three onwards. With Virat Kohli set to return in the third Test, the pressure is on the likes of Gill and Iyer to deliver in Vizag. Trailing 0-1 in the five-match series, India would like to get to at least 500 on day two and then put pressure on the England batters on a pitch where variable bounce is expected to come into play from day three.

The scoreboard at the close of the opening day paints a picture of a hard-fought battle, with India at 336 for six in 93 overs. Yashasvi Jaiswal stands tall, unbeaten, alongside Ravichandran Ashwin, ready to script the next chapter in this gripping Test encounter. The journey has just begun, and the cricketing world eagerly awaits the twists and turns that will shape the destiny of this Test match in Visakhapatnam.

Scorecard

India 1st Innings: Yashasvi Jaiswal batting 179 Rohit Sharma c Ollie Pope b Shoaib Bashir 14 Shubman Gill c Ben Foakes b James Anderson 34 Shreyas Iyer Ben Foakes b Hartley 27 Rajat Patidar b Rehan Ahmed 32 Axar Patelc Rehan Ahmed b Shoaib Bashir 27 Srikar Bharat c Shoaib Bashir b Rehan Ahmed 17 Ravichandran Ashwin batting 5 Extras: (NB-1) 1

Total: (For 6 wickets in 93 Overs) 336

Fall of Wickets: 1-40, 2-89, 3-179, 4-249, 5-301, 6-330.

Bowling: James Anderson 17-3-30-1, Joe Root 14-0-71-0, Tom Hartley 18-2-74-1, Shoaib Bashir 28-0-100-2, Rehan Ahmed 16-2-61-2.