IND v WI 2018: Prithvi Shaw elated after his dream Test debut

Shaw scored a glorious 134 on his Test debut against the West Indies in Rajkot.

Shaw began his Test career with a fine century | AFP

Living up to the hype of India’s next batting superstar, Prithvi Shaw smashed a century on his debut match in international cricket. Shaw, at 18 years and 329 days, notched the three-figure mark off 99 balls against West Indies on Day 1 of the first Test at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot.

Shaw’s 134 led the foundation for India’s mammoth first innings total – 649/9 (declared). Subsequently, Indian bowlers ripped through the Windies batting line-up in both the innings and secured a thumping innings and 272-run victory.

Although there were a series of brilliant performances from the Indian players, the 18-year-old Shaw was adjudged Man of the Match.

"It feels good. It was a great win for the team, more happy for the team. Scoring myself and getting the team to a win on my debut. Couldn't have imagined my debut like this, so I feel good," Shaw said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

"Whenever you play international cricket, there is always a challenge. I was looking to play my natural game, the way I play in first-class cricket, and play the ball on the merit," he added.

With this ton, Shaw also etched his name alongside eminent Indian cricketers like Mohammad Azharuddin, Lala Amarnath, Sourav Ganguly, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina and Virender Sehwag who slammed a century in their Test debut.

In the all-time list, Prithvi Shaw is the fourth youngest player to hit a debut ton and the second youngest Indian after Sachin Tendulkar to make a Test century. Tendulkar was 17 years 112 days old when he hit his first Test century against England at Old Trafford in 1990.

Bangladesh batsman Mohammad Ashraful is the youngest debut Test centurion, with Zimbabwe's Hamilton Masakadza and Pakistan's Saleem Malik the other two players to achieve the feat at a younger age than Shaw.

 

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 07 Oct, 2018

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