Prithvi’s amazing Test debut as India tears the Windies apart

By Kersi Meher-Homji

India pulverized West Indies by an innings and 272 runs in three days at Rajkot on Saturday.

This Test will be remembered for 18 year-old Prithvi Shaw’s marvelous Test debut in which he hit 134 runs including 19 glorious fours. He had become the youngest Indian to score a Test hundred on debut. He celebrated his century by jumping up towards the skies in joyous celebration.

To quote Alagappan Muthu in ESPNcricinfo, “His punches belong in a boxing ring. He cut with glee.”

Inspired by the youngster, India amassed 9 for 649 before declaring. There were two more centurions for India, skipper Virat Kohli made139 runs studded with 19 fours and Ravindra Jadeja 100 not out, smacked five fours and five sixes. Besides, Cheteshwar Pujara scored 86 with 14 fours.

As if to celebrate his 21st birthday, wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant smacked a quick-fire 92 enriched with eight fours and four sixes.

The response from the West Indian batsmen was pathetic. All out for 181 runs in the first innings they fared no better when forced to follow on. They were bowled out for 191 to lose by an innings and 272 runs.

The only resistance was provided by Kieren Powell in the second innings when he scored 83, hitting eight fours and four sixes. The best bowling came from India’s chubby-cheeked left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav who captured 5 for 57.

India’s victory by an innings and 272 runs was their highest ever against West Indies.

Debutant opener Prithvi Shaw was the popular choice as the Man of the Match. Much is expected from him. He received superlative praises from Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Ravi Shastri among others.

What a fall for the Windies, from unbeatable in 1970s and 1980s to easy beats now!

It is a mystery to me as to why Foxtel in Australia is not showing matches involving India these days. They did not show the exciting Asia Cup and now are ignoring the India-West Indies Tests.

All the more surprising as Kohli-led India will be touring Australia soon, starting next month.

 

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