Indian teen sensation Prithvi Shaw’s century on Test debut was a remarkable achievement for an 18-year-old, but his approach to batting is one that suggests he is a special player to watch in the future.

He admitted to experiencing some nerves at the beginning of his innings, but after he found his feet during the course of the first 15 overs of the Test, he was ready to impose himself on the West Indies bowlers.

‘Obviously, I was nervous, this was my Test debut. But after 10 overs I was hitting the ball well and I was getting boundaries. I got the confidence and I didn’t feel the pressure. I wanted to dominate them as much as I could. I like dominating the bowlers and I was trying that. I was waiting for the loose balls and they bowled many boundary balls, so I was trying to balance it out between playing the ball on its merit and attacking the loose balls,’ said Shaw, who dedicated his innings to his father.

‘He has made a lot of sacrifices for me. He is still doing it. He has been very helpful throughout my journey. He has always been there, whenever I have been nervous or have gotten out early. I can’t list it out all but he has done a lot.

‘My dad doesn’t know that much about cricket, but he has watched so many years of it. He was like just “go there and play how you play in your first-class games, just go and enjoy your debut”. No pressure at all,’ recalled Shaw

Shaw captained India’s U19 side in New Zealand and won the World Cup, enjoyed his IPL debut this season and has immediately stamped his class on the Test arena.

‘It was nice sharing the dressing room with so many seniors who have already played five to 10 years of international cricket. Because of all these things everyone is like my friend in the team. They made me very comfortable,’ added Shaw.

If he continues with his fine form, no doubt his teammates will feel increasingly happy to have the young star by their side.

TWITTER PRAISE FOR SHAW

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Photo: Harry Trump/Getty Images