Prithvi Shaw has created history by becoming the youngest Indian to score a century on debut in the first test against the West Indies in Rajkot.
Shaw raised his bat just after the lunch break with only 99 balls required to make his ton. He went on to make 134 runs which included 19 boundaries.
The talented Indian youngster is the seventh youngest centurion in test cricket at 18 years and 329 days. Champion batsmen Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the youngest Indian to reach a century.
India got off to a shaky start with opener KL Rahul dismissed for a duck in the first over. He was judged LBW off the bowling of quick Shannon Gabriel. Chesteshwar Pujara entered the crease at three and the partnership with Shaw reached 209 by the fall of the second wicket.
Captain Virat Kholi then joined Shaw at the wicket and they added another 23 runs to the score before the debutant was dismissed to spinner Devendra Bishoo. At the close of play on day one India were 4/364 with Kohli 72* and Plant 17*.
Social Media went into overdrive with past champion cricketers full of praise for Shaw:
“Wow .. 18 yrs old @PrithviShaw .. Test 100 on debut .. Looks like #India have another superstar that has arrived on the scene !!! #INDvWI” – Michael Vaughan @MichaelVaughan
“What a moment! 18 years of age, debuting for India’s test cricket squad and scores a century! 100 Well done Prithvi Shaw! #INDvWI @PrithviShaw” – Harbhajan Singh @harbhajan_singh
“Wonderful century on debut for Prithvi Shaw. Great to see a 18 year old go out and play his natural game. Got a bright future. #IndvWI” – VVS Laxman @VVSLaxman281
