Prithvi Shaw says he was ready for debut in England

Rajkot: Centurion Prithvi Shaw, who batted like one not appearing in his maiden Test, on Thursday said he was also well prepared to play his first international game against a better attack in testing English conditions.

Teenage sensation Shaw was named in India’s squad for the final two Tests in England but did not get to make his debut in a series which the visitors lost 1-4. He made a dream debut against the West Indies in the series opener, scoring a sublime 134 and, at 18 years and 329 days, becoming the youngest Indian to reach three figures in his maiden appearance.

“It was captain and coach’s decision (of when to give me a game). I was ready in England as well but finally got the opportunity here,” said the soft-spoken youngster after stumps on day one.

“But it I was a great experience in England. They made feel really comfortable. Virat bhai told me there is no senior or junior in the team. It was nice sharing the dressing room with players who have played international cricket for more than five years. Everyone is a friend now.”

He was expectedly nervous before the game but getting to spend time with his senior teammates during the England series helped him approach his debut like “any other game”. His first runs came off his typical back-foot punch and he never looked back from there, playing a top-quality innings comprising 19 fours.

“I was nervous at the start but settled down after I timed a few nicely. After that, I didn’t feel the pressure that I felt at the start of the innings. I like to dominate bowlers and that is what I was trying to do, waiting for the loose balls,” he said.

Having scored a hundred on Ranji and Duleep Trophy debut, Shaw did the same at the highest level. When asked, Shaw was modest about rising to the occasion timing and again.

 “I don’t know how I manage but whenever go in the middle, I try to play to the merit of the ball and even in this game I went in with the same mindset. I did not try anything new thinking it is my first Test. Played the same way I have played India A and domestic cricket.”