Prithvi Shaw began his Test career in spectacular fashion, becoming the youngest Indian to score a century on debut in the first Test against the West Indies at the Saurashtra Cricket Association ground in Rajkot on October 4.
At 18 years and 329 days old, Shaw reached the ton off just 99 balls, eclipsing the record of Abbas Ali Baig, who scored a century against England in Manchester (1959 tour) when he was 20 years and 131 days old.
Shaw, who was promoted to the top of the order in place of Shikhar Dhawan — dropped for the two-match series after struggling during the recent tour of England — also became the second youngest Indian ever to score a Test century after Sachin Tendulkar (century against England in 1990 at the age of 17 years and 107 days).
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Besides Shaw, Cheteshwar Pujara also scored a stroke-filled 86, missing out on well-deserved hundred after getting out caught by Shane Dowrich off Sherman Hakim Lewis.
However, there was no stopping Shaw and his tryst with history. The youngster from Mumbai stepped on the gas after his ton and eventually got out after scoring 134, falling caught and bowled to Devendra Bishoo.
The opener’s innings and partnership with Pujara has given India a strong foundation on the opening day. The duo added 206 runs for the second wicket as the tourists were sent on a leather-hunt in the second session of play.
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Shaw's innings was studded with 19 fours while Pujara hit 14 boundaries before edging to wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich off pacer Lewis, who bagged his first Test scalp.
Earlier, opting to bat, the hosts lost KL Rahul for a duck after Shannon Gabriel caught the Indian opener leg-before in the very first over.
(With inputs from IANS)
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