Prithvi Shaw announced his arrival in Test cricket by scoring his maiden century against the Windies during the first Test at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. Prithvi went on to score a memorable 134 runs before being dismissed by leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo. The 18-year-old was named in the squad for the final two Tests of India’s tour of England but did not get to make his debut in a series which Virat Kohli and his men lost 1-4.
He also became the youngest Indian to reach the three-figure mark in his maiden appearance at the age of 18 years and 329 days.
“It was captain and coach’s decision (of when to give me a game). I was ready in England as well but finally got the opportunity here,” said the soft-spoken youngster after stumps on day one.
“But it was a great experience in England. They made feel really comfortable. Virat bhai told me there is no senior or junior in the team. It was nice sharing the dressing room with players who have played international cricket for more than five years. Everyone is a friend now.”
“I was nervous at the start but settled down after I timed a few nicely. After that, I didn’t feel the pressure that I felt at the start of the innings. I like to dominate bowlers and that is what I was trying to do, waiting for the loose balls,” he said.
“Having said that, there is a lot of difference if you compare international cricket with the U-19 and domestic cricket. They come with a lot of strategies in international cricket. You face bowlers with a lot more pace. Sometimes you face serious pace in domestic cricket but here is a lot more variety and experience,” said Shaw who looked comfortable against Shanon Gabriel even though he was touching 150kph.
