There was a lot of criticism for Indian opener Prithvi Shaw after India were hammered in the first Test, of the two-match series, versus New Zealand in Wellington. Shaw perished for scores of 16 and 10 while looking to attack the opposition. He threw his wicket away in both the innings; prompting for the majority of fans to call for his omission for the second Test at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
The signs were ominous for India as a slight drizzle caused a 45-minute delay before the toss. When the covers were removed, a green pitch with a thick cover of grass welcomed the 2 sides. And when Virat Kohli lost the toss, there were a few nerves, given how the visitors folded up in both the innings of the 1st Test.
However, Prithvi Shaw’s confident start should have settled the nerves in the dressing room. The young opener dominated the New Zealand attack with an array of eye-catching strokes.
Prithvi Shaw got to his fifty in just 61 balls and reached the milestone with a big six of Neil Wagner. Shaw though failed to get going as he perished while driving a wide delivery from Kyle Jamieson just before Lunch on Day 1.
Shaw departed for a well-made 54, off 64 balls, and was dismissed just before the stroke of lunch. However, he entered an elite list, spearheaded by legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar.
The 20-year-old Shaw became the second youngest Indian to slam a fifty in a Test in New Zealand. Here is the full list:
Youngest Indian batsmen to hit Test fifty in New Zealand
Sachin Tendulkar in 1990 – 16 years and 291 days
Prithvi Shaw in 2020 – 20 years and 112 days
Atul Wasan in 1990 – 21 years and 336 days
Brijesh Patel in 1976 – 23 years 81 days
Sandeep Patil in 1981 – 24 years and 187 days
