Rajkot Test: Prithvi Shaw hits ton on debut

Indian batsman Prithvi Shaw stepped into the world of international cricket in style as he smashed a blistering century in his debut Test against West Indies here at the Saurashtra Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

The 18-year-old, who is the youngest Indian to make his debut for India since Sachin Tendulkar, took just 99 balls to reach the three-figure mark, which also included 14 boundaries.

Opting to bat first, India had sent Shaw and KL Rahul to open the innings. While KL Rahul went back to the pavilion without scoring a run, Shaw fully utilized the opportunity and went on to play a special inning on his debut.

The right-hand batsman, who is already a big name in the domestic cricket circuit, has scored 1,418 runs in 14 first-class matches he played with an impressive average of 56.72. He had also achieved the feat of scoring hundred in his debut Ranji Trophy match and maiden Duleep Trophy clash.

Earlier this year, he had led the Indian side to victory in the International Cricket Council (ICC) U-19 Cricket World Cup which was held in New Zealand.

Shaw, who received his Test cap from skipper Virat Kohli this morning, has become the 293rd cricketer to represent India in the longest format of the game.

Meanwhile, India have crossed the 200-run mark after the loss of three wickets on the opening day of the first Test against West Indies.