As the sun rose over the Indian subcontinent, the cricket world braced itself for a spectacle. The stage was set for a thrilling 5-test series, a cricketing feast promising to enthrall fans around the globe. The last time England set foot on Indian soil, the constellation of stars we see today hadn’t yet aligned, and although the visitors had shown commendable spirit, the landscape of cricket has undergone seismic shifts since.

The narrative of the series was tinged with anticipation. England, under the banner of their audacious “Bazball” strategy, faced the daunting challenge of adapting to the enigmatic Indian pitches. With a blend of aggression and finesse, this approach was to be tested against the turning tracks of India and the lethal pace of Jasprit Bumrah.

The drama unfolded early, with R. Ashwin drawing first blood, a prelude to R. Jadeja’s swift follow-up, snagging a crucial catch off Rohit Sharma. England’s batting lineup, attempting to embody the Bazball ethos, found themselves reeling as three wickets tumbled by lunch. Despite their relentless aggression, the pitch whispered secrets only a few could decipher.

Joe Root, England’s talisman, carved out a semblance of resistance, only for Jadeja to cut short his tenure at the crease. Axar Patel, with a delivery that seemed to bewitch the bat, breached Jonny Bairstow’s defenses, while Hartley’s brief fireworks alongside Ben Stokes offered a glimmer of hope, quickly extinguished by Jadeja’s cunning.

Stokes, in a display of sheer dominance, launched three boundaries off Jadeja, a testament to his indomitable spirit. Yet, even Stokes’ brilliance was overshadowed by a dismissal that left spectators in awe, a poignant reminder of the thin line between audacity and misjudgment.

England’s innings folded at 246, paving the way for India’s response. The hosts, unfazed by the day’s dwindling light, found an unexpected hero in Yashasvi Jaiswal. His rapid half-century, a daring counterattack in the twilight of the day, caught everyone off guard. 

Leach’s familiar conquest over Rohit Sharma and England’s hasty squandering of reviews added layers to the unfolding drama. Standing tall at 76 by day’s end, Jaiswal embodied the calm amidst the storm, his innings painting the day’s narrative with strokes of audacity and resilience.

As dusk settled, the question lingered – who truly played the Bazball? The day’s play, marked by relentless aggression and strategic brilliance from both camps, left aficionados pondering. Yet, amidst this whirlwind, the trio of Jadeja, Ashwin, and Axar stood unyielding, a bulwark against the tide of innovation, signaling a series that was set to redefine the boundaries of cricketing excellence.