#OTD in 2018: Prithvi Shaw slams a historic century on debut

Shaw after scoring his maiden ton [PC: Twitter]

On this day, four years ago, Prithvi Shaw etched his name into the history books by becoming the youngest (18 years and 329 days) Indian player to hit a century on his Test debut. His knock helped India to register their biggest-ever Test win against West Indies at Rajkot. 

India secure a mammoth lead

Opting to bat first, India lost KL Rahul (0) early. However, Shaw and Cheteshwar Pujara were clinical with their ability to steer the team at a brisk pace. The 18-year-old timed the ball beautifully and looked comfortable against Caribbean bowlers, who looked hapless. 

Shaw reached his maiden century off 99 balls and added 206 runs for the second wicket with Pujara (80).  Soon, he was dismissed for a well-compiled 134 off 154 in a caught-and-bowled dismissal by Devendra Bishoo. 

Afterwards, Virat Kohli (139) and Ravindra Jadeja (100*) were terrific to power India to a declare on 649/9. 

In response, West Indies were bundled out for 181, with contributions from Roston Chase (53) and Keemo Paul (47). Ravichandran Ashwin was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts with four wickets. 

West Indies succumb to pressure

Taking a first innings lead of 468 runs, India decided to enforce a follow-on on Caribbean team. 

Although, opener Kieran Powell (83) tried well to lead the fightback, the rest of the line-up fell to the proficient Kuldeep Yadav, who took five wickets. West Indies were dismissed on 196, and India won the game by an innings and 272 runs, which is their biggest victory in the longest format. 

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