Prithvi Shaw's impressive start to his career delights Shoaib Akhtar

Prithvi Shaw has made headlines on the very first day of his international career. There were no jangling nerves for the youngster while facing Shannon Gabriel with the new ball on the morning. He just went about his business and was off the mark in the first over itself. There was an assurance in his footwork from the word go which proved that he will play a big knock. He did so and impressed the former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar who is delighted with a great start to his career.

Shaw was authoritative in his shot-making as he didn’t make any fuss about his debut. Despite losing his partner early in the innings, the 18-year-old played his shots and more importantly attacked the bowlers making a statement. Soon he reached his half-century off 56 balls and it took only 43 more balls to notch up his first three-figure in the longest format of the game.

While all the Indian cricketers were busy lauding the youngster for his achievement, Shoaib Akhtar was also following the action from across the border. He was thrilled to watch such a young player walk into the international arena with utter ease and wished him luck for his career. “What a great start in test cricket from young Prithvi shaw really impressed to see his talent & hunger to score runs but @ will ..wow carry on young man good luck,” he tweeted.

India end the day on top

Meanwhile, India have already gained an upper hand in the Test match by scoring 364 runs for the loss of four wickets in 89 overs. Shaw’ impeccable 134-run knock was ably backed up by Cheteshwar Pujara (86) and the skipper Virat Kohli (72*). Ajinkya Rahane also batted well for his 41 but was dismissed against the run of play.

Windies will have to toil hard now to pick the remaining wickets on the second day and their backs are already against the wall.

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