IND v WI 2018: 1st Test, Day 1 – Prithvi Shaw’s amazing debut century puts India ahead with 364/4

Shaw and Pujara added 203 runs for the second wicket.

Shaw and Pujara added 203 runs for the second wicket | AFP

India and West Indies started the two-Test series with the first Test at Rajkot. Team India had already declared its 12-man squad for the first Test a day before with a big surprise.

18-year-old Mumbai batsman Prithvi Shaw was handed a Test debut and lot was expected of him. West Indies, on the other hand, was given a big shock, as captain Jason Holder was ruled out of the Test due to an injury. With Kemar Roach already ruled out of the first Test due to a personal grievance; this was a big setback for the visitors.

Kraigg Brathwaite led West Indies in his place. Virat Kohli won the toss, after a long time, and decided to bat first on the placid Rajkot pitch. However, the hosts were landed a big blow, when Shannon Gabriel removed KL Rahul on the last ball of the first over. Rahul used up a review, despite being hit plumb in front of the wickets and was given out LBW.

But Prithvi Shaw and Cheteshwar Pujara wore down the Windies bowlers with a 203-run partnership for the second wicket. Pujara hit 86 in 130 balls with 14 fours and was looking good before edging a ball from Sherman Lewis to Shane Dowrich, giving Lewis his first Test wicket on debut.

But the day belonged to debutant teenager Shaw, who showed why he has been compared to the great Sachin Tendulkar. He played aggressively and got into a rhythm early on and punished anything short or full on this placid wicket. He scored his century off 99 balls and became the 3rd fastest debut centurion. He was also the 15th Indian to score a century on debut and 4th highest youngest to score a debut century in Tests.

He was amazing in his strokeplay and footwork and his innings only came to an end because of a ball that held onto the pitch, as Shaw handed Bishoo a return catch on 134 (154 balls, 19 fours). Shannon Gabriel, Devendra Bishoo, Sherman Lewis and Roston Chase picked up a wicket each.

After their dismissals, Virat and Rahane held fort adding 105 runs for the fourth wicket before Rahane was caught behind for 41 off Chase. Rishabh Pant (17*) then kept Virat Kohli (72* off 137 balls, 4 fours) company until the end of the day’s play.

BRIEF SCORES:
IND 364/4 (P SHAW 134, C PUJARA 86, V KOHLI 72*)

 
 

By Jatin Sharma - 04 Oct, 2018

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