India vs West Indies, highlights, 1st Test, Day 1 at Rajkot, full cricket score: Shaw's ton, fifties from Pujara, Kohli take India to 364/4 at stumps

364/4 is India’s highest total at the end of the first day of a Test against Windies. Their previous highest was 361/4 at Gros Islet in 2006.

The day belongs to India, especially to the debutant Prithvi Shaw. Despite losing a wicket in the very first over, Shaw did not lose his composure and went about his business on his merry way. Pujara and Kohli have made useful contributions and the hosts have maintained a healthy run-rate throughout. Windies on the other hand, had their moments. But I feel, during the most part of the day, they haven’t attacked much and allowed the Indian batting to dominate.

Prithvi Shaw: Feeling really good now after the hundred. I was trying to play the natural game. I kept on going. I was just thinking it is another game for me. It was on my mind that this was my first Test match but on the other side, I thought I will play my game. (While celebrating) I was thinking of my dad who sacrificed a lot for me. Each and every cricketer dreams to come in the Indian side and did not want lose the opportunity.  From a smaller age, I played lot of school cricket even after that U19, Ranji and India A cricket continues, I got great experience playing them. I should have kept bating and was disappointed to get out as only 10 balls were left for tea.

India v West Indies, 1st Test, Day – 1:

1st session : 25 overs, 133-1 (RR – 5.32)
2nd session : 26 overs, 99-2 (RR – 3.81)
3rd session : 38 overs, 132-1 (RR – 3.47)

After 89 overs,India 364/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 72 , Rishabh Pant (W) 17)

STUMPS!

The prediction about Kohli’s dismissal has fallen apart. He stays and looks set for a big hundred when he comes back tomorrow. 

The day 1 of the first Test belonged to India and that too by some distance. West Indies looked pale and tired on most occasions. They took four wickets but Rahane and Shaw threw their wickets away to be honest. 

Shaw, however, will remember this day for years to come. Who knows what future holds for India’s 293rd Test player but for the moment, he is shining and smiling big. Let’s allow him to soak in the compliments and the moment.

SIX! Last over of the day but it does not bother Pant, short ball and he pulls it over the fine leg boundary for a flat six.

Gabriel needs to be lauded for his efforts throughout the day. He has seemed like the only West Indian bowler who has troubled the Indian batsmen somewhat. In each spell he has run in and notched up a decent pace. Even at the fag end of the day, Gabriel is touching the 140 kmph mark.

Last over of the day. Gabriel bowls.

After 88 overs,India 354/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 71 , Rishabh Pant (W) 8)

Chase continues. Chase has been trying to get Pant come on the front foot. Pant has played it very cautiously. One more over to be bowled today. My colleague feels Kohli might get out in the last over if he faces Gabriel for more than 3 balls. Let’s see if this happens.

Chase continues.

After 87 overs,India 351/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 70 , Rishabh Pant (W) 6)

350 comes up for India as Kohli taps the ball to the off side and runs two. Kohli into 70s now. Gabriel gives his all in this over, bringing in sharply to Kohli, with pace and bounce.

Gabriel continues

After 86 overs,India 349/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 68 , Rishabh Pant (W) 6)

Chase still bowling from the other end. This could be to tempt and trap Pant in the flight. Brathwaite puts a short leg in place. Pant deals it with caution.

I would like to understand the reason behind the use of DRS by Rahane to a decision, which looked very straight forward. Those who have played the game can tell you that in case of such situations, a batsman always knows whether he has hit the ball or not.

Chase continues from the other end.

After 85 overs,India 344/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 67 , Rishabh Pant (W) 6)

Gabriel brought into the attack after the new ball was taken. Gabriel is fresh now and would be itching to have a go at new man Rishabh Pant. One more wicket can be taken here knowing the habit of Pant to go after the bowlers very soon in his innings. There are three slips in place for him as Gabriel bowls from round the wicket. Pant has the last laugh as he pulls one away for four. Gabriel won’t mind that. Five more overs left in the day.

FOUR! Short ball and Pant pulls it for a boundary to deep fine leg.

Rishabh Pant turned 21st today. His average in FC cricket is 50.15 and SR is 91.50.

Interesting. Initially. the Windies skipper Brathwaite did not take the new ball straightway. However, the visitors have got a bonus wicket. And now Gabriel is running in with the second new ball in hand. Very impressive move this is by the visitors.

Rishabh Pant’s Test career so far:

1st Test : 24, 1
2nd Test : 0, 18
3rd Test : 5, 114

He would like to see off this teasing period so that he can come tomorrow and play his natural innings.

Really poor call for taking the referral 

New ball taken, Shannon Gabriel is back on.

After 84 overs,India 337/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 66 , Rishabh Pant (W) 0)

Poor from Rahane, the shot to get out and then the call for DRS. There was a huge sound of the nick on the bat and it baffles the logic as to how a batsman might not have heard of it. Taking a DRS as bizarre as this can hurt others in the coming overs.

Rishabh Pant, left handed bat, comes to the crease

OUT! Rahane edges one into the hands of keeper, appeal made and the decision was out by Nigel Llong but Rahane still went for DRS. There was a HUGE sound of the nick yet the DRS was taken. Review has been lost and Rahane is back to the hut. Rahane c Dowrich b Roston Chase 41(92)

Chase continues

After 83 overs,India 336/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 65 , Ajinkya Rahane 41)

Kohli and Rahane going smooth in this innings. No worry whatsoever as the ball is not doing anything. West Indies fulfilling the mere formality of playing the 90 overs today and I am not sure whether this is a great plan to play the World Number 1 side in Tests.

Brathwait continues

After 82 overs,India 335/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 64 , Ajinkya Rahane 41)

Clearly, there is no X factor in this bowling attack. The captaincy lacks creativity as well. Brathwaite does not have bowlers to experiment with. Spinners have been bowling way more than required and that has let the batsmen get used to them.

Ajinkya Rahane’s century stands in Tests:

With Virat Kohli – 8
With all other partners combined – 9

Chase continues

After 81 overs,India 332/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 62 , Ajinkya Rahane 40)

Brathwaite continues. The second new ball is now available but it seems he wants to run through some quick overs now. 

100-run partnership has been unlocked between Kohli and Rahane for the fourth wicket. It has come in 186 balls.

FOUR! Round the wicket, Brathwaite bowls full on the leg stump line, Kohli sweeps it for four to deep fine leg.

Brathwaite continues. Second new ball available now.

After 80 overs,India 325/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 56 , Ajinkya Rahane 39)

Chase continues. Kohli-Rahane partnership is touching 100 now. Clearly, the two enjoy batting with each other. There was a mixup but it did not cause any damage to either of them. Kohli smiled from the non-strikers’ end to bury the it then and there.

FOUR! No protection at deep cover and Chase pitches it short, Rahane rocks on back foot and punches it to the same position to fetch a boundary.

Chase continues

After 79 overs,India 321/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 56 , Ajinkya Rahane 35)

Kraigg Brathwaite brings himself into the attack here. Not to forget his first Test wicket was Rahul Dravid. This is also a sign that he might go for the second new ball and give a final go to the pacers in the last phase of the day’s play.

Kraigg Brathwaite, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

After 78 overs,India 318/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 55 , Ajinkya Rahane 33)

Chase carries on. Kohli hits an inside-out to fetch a boundary. The shot showed his authority with the bat in this innings. The fielders had no chance whatsoever to the drive. India going strong at the moment.

Virat Kohli’s last five innings at home in Tests:

104*, 213, 243, 50, 51*(batting)

FOUR! This from Virat Kohli was long pending, flighted delivery, reaches out, plays it inside out , placing it beautifully between mid-off and covers.

Most 50-plus scores by Indian captains in Tests:

29 – MS Dhoni 

26 – VIRAT KOHLI*

25 – Sunil Gavaskar

Chase continues

After 77 overs,India 314/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 51 , Ajinkya Rahane 33)

Second new ball now just 3 overs today. To be seen whether Brathwaite takes it today or let the spinners carry on. Meanwhile Kohli has raced on to another fifty in his Test career, his 20th thus far.

FIFTY for Kohli, short ball and he cuts it through the point. Good effort at the boundary saves a certain boundary. He runs 2 to complete the half-century.

Second new ball due in 4 overs.

After 76 overs,India 311/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 48 , Ajinkya Rahane 33)

Chase continues. Rahane has got starts earlier as well against England but was not able to carry on with the momentum. He better converts this one into a big score.

Chase continues

After 75 overs,India 310/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 47 , Ajinkya Rahane 33)

Bishoo continues. Has been hit for a boundary. But comes back later in the over. WI seem to be waiting for the stumps now. They don’t look like taking one.

Chips are completely down in the Windies camp. They are looking really flat, giving away easy runs to both Indian batsmen. Feel, they missed a trick by not attacking Rahane more, right at the start of his innings. Remember, he has come into this series under a bit of pressure and the visitors could have explored that uncertainty in his mind, to their advantage.

FOUR! Bishoo comes round the wicket, pitches short, Rahane slashes the blade and the edge goes for a boundary to third man.

Bishoo continues

After 74 overs,India 304/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 46 , Ajinkya Rahane 28)

Last ten overs have yielded India 32 runs. They were scoring at below 3 RPO but now the run-scoring has become slightly quicker. 16 overs to be bowled today. Let’s see how much can be managed.

Chase continues

After 73 overs,India 302/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 45 , Ajinkya Rahane 27)

Bishoo finishes his 28th over today. He has done the maximum exercise today. Needs a break surely. Virat just five away from a fifty.

300 up for India as Kohli runs three thanks to a misfield at mid-on. India placed strong in the game. West Indies in search of a wicket.

Bishoo continues

After 72 overs,India 297/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 40 , Ajinkya Rahane 27)

Chase drops a half-tracker, Kohli lazily pulls it to deep mid-wicket where the ball was cleared but not before the batsman had run two. Kohli is into 40s now. Looks good for another biggie here.

Ajinkya Rahane’s scores against West Indies in Tests before today:

22, 108*, 35, 78* 

He is slowly and steadily getting his confidence back.

Chase continues.

After 71 overs,India 294/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 37 , Ajinkya Rahane 27)

Bishoo is bowling well but one odd delivery has ruined the over. Rahane is coming into the groove now. Short balls helpind his cause. He has moved on to 25 now.

FOUR! Rahane rocks on back foot to the short-pitched ball and slaps it through the covers for a boundary.

Bishoo continues.

After 70 overs,India 288/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 37 , Ajinkya Rahane 21)

We were talking about him in the last over and he has been brought back. Chase comes in and he almost got a wicket for himself, as the ball flew past the first slip. Difficult chance but it was enough to create doubts in batsman’s mind. Kohli too beaten two balls later.

FOUR! The ball takes the edge and flies off the right of first slip for a boundary.

Roston Chase back on.

After 69 overs,India 282/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 36 , Ajinkya Rahane 16)

21 overs still left to be bowled today. Brathwaite can throw the ball to Roston Chase now to get some overs done quickly or else he will fall short of many here. That way, the pacers can also get some rest.

Bishoo continues.

After 68 overs,India 278/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 33 , Ajinkya Rahane 15)

India’s run-rate in this session is below 3. Clearly, the plan is to spend as much time in the middle as possible. Also, India have this tendency of losing quite a few wickets in the last session. They have to watch out for that.

Paul continues

After 67 overs,India 276/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 31 , Ajinkya Rahane 15)

Bishoo continues. He has looked the best bowler thus far but even against him, Indians have not looked too disturbed. He has managed to stay the batsmen quiet.

Interesting approach by Virat today. He has been very circumspect here. Perhaps, after coming back from a break, he doesn’t want to take an unnecessary risk and spoil his form. But the fluency in his batting, which was evident in England, has been missing today.

Bishoo continues

After 66 overs,India 275/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 30 , Ajinkya Rahane 15)

Kohli-Rahane partnership is nearing the fifty-run mark now. They have done it a very slow rate. Kohli is now showing some urgency in scoring runs. Standing inches outside the crease, Kohli has shown intent to come out and play his shots.

Paul continues.

After 65 overs,India 273/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 29 , Ajinkya Rahane 15)

Bishoo has been bowling for a while now. The problem for West Indies is that they don’t have another able spinner. In this heat, he will tire himself out soon. It is becoming tough for players to throw themselves out as well.

Ajinkya Rahane-Virat Kohli partnership average in Tests:

Home – 72.06
Away – 53.07

Bishoo continues.

Drinks taken by players.

After 64 overs,India 271/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 29 , Ajinkya Rahane 13)

Keemo Paul comes back on. Looks fresh. Gabriel gets three overs and he is off as has been the trend today. Paul has been on expensive side today, leaking runs at under 5 RPO. He can undo all the bad work in this spell.

Keemo Paul comes back into the attack.

After 63 overs,India 270/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 29 , Ajinkya Rahane 13)

Bishoo continues. A stat on Rahane tells us that in last 19 Tests he has only scored 891 runs. This series will augur well for him and his form.

Bishoo continues

After 62 overs,India 269/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 28 , Ajinkya Rahane 13)

Gabriel continues. The speed at which Windies are bowling, we are not sure if we will be able to see 90 overs bowled today.

FOUR! Lovely shot, on the middle stump line and Rahane just places it straight past the umpire. There was no chance mid-off and mid-on would have got this.

Gabriel continues

After 61 overs,India 265/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 28 , Ajinkya Rahane 9)

Bishoo continues. Too easy for India right now. Both Rahane and Kohli staying quiet but they silence won’t stay for long once they are in for a long time on this pitch.

Bishoo continues

After 60 overs,India 261/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 25 , Ajinkya Rahane 8)

Gabriel looks exhausted. He is running out of steam. The pace has slowed down as well but what must be frustrating him more is how untroubled the batsmen are.

Ajinkya Rahane has been dismissed spinners 27 times out of 53 innings in the last three years in Test cricket. He has to be careful here against spinners.

Gabriel continues

After 59 overs,India 258/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 23 , Ajinkya Rahane 7)

Kohli and Rahane dealing in easy singles now off the spinner. 3 off the over. West Indies should not let this partnership flourish here.

Bishoo continues.

After 58 overs,India 255/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 21 , Ajinkya Rahane 6)

Gabriel is back into the attack. He has bowled 12 overs today but has looked more tired than that. Was catching his breath after the second ball of this fresh spell. Heat has been a big punisher for West Indies today for sure after Shaw and Pujara. Yet again, he has taken a long time to complete the over. Not doing Brathwaite any good.

This is actually a tricky period for India. A wicket or two here will bring West Indies right back in the game. Remember, there is a little bit vulnerability in the Indian lower-middle order. So, one can not rule out a collapse. Feel Windies pacers need to find reverse swing here. Perhaps that’s why Gabriel has been brought back into the attack.

Shannon Gabriel is back on.

After 57 overs,India 253/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 20 , Ajinkya Rahane 5)

Bishoo is keeping it very tight. He looks involved in his bowling, making field changes and trying different variations. In the first spell, he looked out of sorts but we can see him getting involved better now.

Bishoo carries on.

After 56 overs,India 251/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 19 , Ajinkya Rahane 4)

Lewis continues. Has been hit for a boundary on the first ball of the over. Adjusts length straightaway, pulls it back a bit. Kohli and Rahane might have slowed down the pace of the innings but India still on top.

Ajinkya Rahane’s batting average in Tests:

Home – 32.93
Away – 46.32

FOUR! Bad fielding and a good shot through the covers helps Kohli get some confidence going in this innings.

Lewis continues

After 55 overs,India 244/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 13 , Ajinkya Rahane 3)

Bishoo turning it away from both the right-handers. Rahane looking to gets settled in. Taking his time here.

Bishoo continues

After 54 overs,India 242/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 12 , Ajinkya Rahane 2)

Lewis continues. He has been trying to draw Kohli forward. Has placed slips for him. The plan is there but can he get the reward eventually?

Master approves!

Lewis continues.

After 53 overs,India 240/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 11 , Ajinkya Rahane 1)

Bishoo continues to bowl after Tea. This is also a big innings for Rahane. He has been out of form for a while now. Has been a long time since he scored a Test ton. Time and opposition is just right to make it happen.

Bishoo, right arm leg break, bowls from the other end.

After 52 overs,India 237/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 9 , Ajinkya Rahane 0)

Lewis gets his for first-ball boundary after Tea. He has looked better after the end of the first spell. But needs to keep at it. Windies have done well to get two wickets in afternoon session and if they remove either Kohli or Rahane here, it will create a gateway to get India out.

FOUR! Great start as Kohli gets a freebie, on the middle stump line and full, Kohli draws foot and hits it straight to fetch four.

Back from TEA!

Sherman Lewis to continue, Kohli facing the first ball.

Finally a steady phase for the Windies bowlers. Two wickets in quick successions. In fact, since the wicket of Pujara, the scoring rate has gone down a bit. Kohli is looking a bit cautious. And both Windies spinners have bowled a tight line during this phase.

Meanwhile, for Rahane, this is an important knock. He desperately seeks some runs under his belt.

Tea, Day 1

Another session that was dominated by the hosts. Prithvi getting to his maiden ton and India almost adding 100 to their total after the first session. Heartbreak for Pujara who got out 14 short of a century at home and Prithvi fell in the last over of the session. Kohli has been out there for 16 deliveries. The West Indies bowlers have bowled much better than they did in the opening session. Join us for the final session in about 15 minutes from now.

Ajinkya Rahane’s batting average in Tests:

2017 – 34.62
2018 – 24.92

This will really be an important knock for Rahane.

Most runs for India in maiden Test innings:

187 – Shikhar Dhawan v Australia, Mohali, 2013
177 – Rohit Sharma v West Indies, Kolkata, 2013
134 – Prithvi Shaw v West Indies, Rajkot, 2018*

After 51 overs,India 232/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 4 , Ajinkya Rahane 0)

End of the afternoon session. Ajinkya Rahane joins his skipper and keeps the remaining deliveries out. Shaw must be ruing the fact that he was in for something big, perhaps historic, but just switched off at the wrong time. Nevertheless, a wonderful knock and a very fine start to what promises to be a long career.

OUT! Softtest of dismissals you will see. Tame end to a rather imperious Test debut from Prithvi Shaw. He cannot believe what he has done at the stroke of Tea. Was a short of a length delivery that he went to push through mid on off the backfoot. The ball just seem to stop a touch and the centurion ended up returning the catch to the bowler.

Prithvi Shaw c and b Devendra Bishoo 134(154)

After 50 overs,India 231/2 ( Prithvi Shaw 134 , Virat Kohli (C) 3)

Into the final few minutes of the session. Roston Chase has been brought back with the field spread out for Kohli and Shaw. After the boundary, Chase flighted another delivery that turned in sharply. Beats Shaw as the ball sneaks between bat and pad, over the stumps and past the keeper.

FOUR! Uppishly played by Prithvi. He was lining for a big hit, but just seemed to checked it at the last minute, slices it in front of square in fact through extra cover for a boundary.

After 49 overs,India 224/2 ( Prithvi Shaw 128 , Virat Kohli (C) 2)

Bishoo continues. Shaw gets forward and pushes it to long off for a single. A silly point for the new batsman Virat Kohli comes in place. The rank short ball is pulled by Shaw to deep midwicket for a couple to end the over.

After 48 overs,India 220/2 ( Prithvi Shaw 125 , Virat Kohli (C) 1)

Kohli gets off the mark with a full ball bowled on the legs that he flicks it away. Gabriel sends down a bouncer that Shaw has comfortably ducked under. A bye down the leg side to end the over.

The two batsmen who are currently batting for India, both have won Under-19 WC for India as a captain – Virat Kohli in 2008 and Prithvi Shaw in 2018.

After 47 overs,India 218/2 ( Prithvi Shaw 125 , Virat Kohli (C) 0)

A rather uneventful over by Bishoo, besides the edge that went to third man fence off Shaw’s bat.

A point to ponder upon as Australia tour nears. 

FOUR! That could have so easily ended Shaw’s innings. Went for the slash off Bishoo with not too much room on offer. The ball just eavdes the wide slip fielder.

After 46 overs,India 214/2 ( Prithvi Shaw 121 , Virat Kohli (C) 0)

Gabriel square Shaw up off the first ball. Rotates the strike off the next ball. Gabriel looking for that big inswinger to Kohli, slides one down the leg side. Kohli is no hurry to get off the mark.

After 45 overs,India 213/2 ( Prithvi Shaw 120 , Virat Kohli (C) 0)

Shaw went for an extravagant cut that was taken from over his head with a flat bat. Almost carried to sweeper cover. Kohli plays out the final two deliveries. Only the single of Lewis’ over.

No player has amassed more runs in Test cricket in 2018 than Virat Kohli – 879 runs.

After 44 overs,India 212/2 ( Prithvi Shaw 119 , Virat Kohli (C) 0)

Always makes for an intriguing viewing when the present and the future of Indian cricket are out there in the middle. Lovely little chat captured by the cameraman, as Kohli and Shaw spoke for the first time in the middle. Shaw gestures as to how the ball seems to be coming. Kohli has a wide and bright smile on his face. He knows the feeling of being there. If you’re an Indian cricket fan and an admirer of quality batting, this is for you. India have lost Pujara but are well ahead in the game. Gabriel gets one to nip back into Kohli, but the Indian captain brought his bat forward along with his pad to defend it cautiously. Windies know this is the best and perhaps the only chance to get Kohli early.

Highest stands for India against West Indies at home in Tests:

344* – Sunil Gavaskar/Dilip Vengsarkar, Kolkata, 1978
280 – Ravi Ashwin/Rohit Sharma, Kolkata, 2013
224 – MS Dhoni/VVS Laxman, Kolkata, 2011
214 – VVS Laxman/Sachin Tendulkar, Kolkata, 2002
206 – Cheteshwar Pujara/Prithvi Shaw, Rajkot, 2018*

After 43 overs,India 209/2 ( Prithvi Shaw 116 , Virat Kohli (C) 0)

West Indies have finally found a way to pick a wicket. Pujara walks after a wll-compiled 86, end to 206-run stand. Big moment for debutant Sherman Lewis who has bagged Pujara as his maiden Test wicket. Skipper Virat Kohli will join debutant Prithvi Shaw.

OUT! GONE! Pujara hangs his bat out to a good length delivery outside off from Sherman Lewis, who gets his maiden Test wicket, to edge one to the keeper. Pujara stands for few seconds before leaving his crease. Missed out an opportunity to get a century at his home ground. No guarantee regarding India’s second innings, falls 14 runs short. Breath of fresh air for the Windies.

C Pujara c  Dowrich b Sherman Lewis 86(130)

After 42 overs,India 208/1 ( Prithvi Shaw 115 , Cheteshwar Pujara 86)

Shaw and Pujara have raised the 200 run partnership and it has come at a rapid speed. They haven’t even broken a sweat (in this heat, its obvious that it is purely meant figuratively)

FOUR! Oh another terrific shot! Width on offer by Bishoo and Shaw goes back in his crease, transfers the weight on the back foot and cuts it wide of the fielder. His awareness of the field is simply way too good. Masterful.

After 41 overs,India 201/1 ( Prithvi Shaw 109 , Cheteshwar Pujara 85)

Shaw is such a delight to watch. Array of strokes with a lot of flair. The new and the latest product from Mumbai’s batting school. India go past 200.

FOUR! That is as good a shot as any! Shaw arcs back and scythes a back of a length delivery past point for a boundary. What a way to bring the 200 up

After 40 overs,India 196/1 ( Prithvi Shaw 104 , Cheteshwar Pujara 85)

Bishoo not getting the ball to skid as he looks to bowl the quicker one and get the batsman trapped in front. Pujara is stoic in his defence. Maiden.

After 39 overs,India 196/1 ( Prithvi Shaw 104 , Cheteshwar Pujara 85)

Sherman Lewis gives away just two. Shaw missed out on a flick and got to the other end courtesy a leg bye. Pujara too works it off his legs for a single.

Pujara is nearing his ton as well. Rajkot is his home ground and last time he played a Test match here back in 2016, the soft-spoken Saurashtra boy scored a brilliant 124 against the English attack.

Lewis is brought back into the attack

After 38 overs,India 194/1 ( Prithvi Shaw 104 , Cheteshwar Pujara 84)

Bishoo slips in a quick over without too much fuss. Shaw turns the strike with a single to mid wicket.

After 37 overs,India 193/1 ( Prithvi Shaw 103 , Cheteshwar Pujara 84)

Paul is clearly struggling in the scorching heat of Rajkot. A mid over drinks break is been taken. On the other end, Pujara is looking comfortable at home. I know today has been about Prithvi Shaw and he has played some exquistie strokes, but Pujara’s straight drive is right up there.

Players to score a century each on Ranji Trophy and Test debut:

Prithvi Shaw and Gundappa Viswanath 

Players to score a century each on Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy and Test debut: 

Prithvi Shaw

FOUR! Gorgeous shot from Che! Half-volley on off stump and Pujara brings down the full face of the bat to drive it straight past the bowler.

ICYMI

After 36 overs,India 189/1 ( Prithvi Shaw 103 , Cheteshwar Pujara 80)

Boundary off the first ball. Three singles to end the over. Easy peasy for these two in the middle. Puajra into the 80s now. Windies need to find a way to break this partnership. Actually not, the next batsman is a bloke with decent record to his name.

When the kid was spotted eight years back. Hard work and more hard work and he is here. 

FOUR! Action reply from the first ball of the previous over. Short and wide by Bishoo and Pujara rocks ball and taps it late to guide it to third man boundary.

After 35 overs,India 182/1 ( Prithvi Shaw 102 , Cheteshwar Pujara 74)

Keemo Paul returns to the bowling crease and sends down a maiden to Shaw. The first one to Shaw. The youngster is only taking a breather after what must have pressure-filled 20-24 hours, ever since his debut was announced.

Not a difficult question to answer!

After 34 overs,India 182/1 ( Prithvi Shaw 102 , Cheteshwar Pujara 74)

Boundary off the first ball of Bishoo’s over and Pujara is happy to knock the ball around for another brace. Six off it. India surging towards 200.

FOUR! Too short outside off from Bishoo and that has been cut away to third man boundary by Pujara.

Cometh the hour, cometh the man! Hundred on debut for Prithvi Shaw. 

A journey which was started from the muddy fields of Virar in the Western Suburbs in Mumbai, has finally reached a milestone. Interestingly, last time West Indies played a Test match on Indian soil, it was the end of an era as Sachin Tendulkar bid farewell to international cricket. Almost five years after, the boys from the Caribbean are back here and it seems a new era has started in Indian cricket.

After 33 overs,India 176/1 ( Prithvi Shaw 102 , Cheteshwar Pujara 68)

Shaw gets to his landmark after just 99 balls. What a day for the Mumbaikar. Stellar show first up. Has he already booked his ticket to Australia with just his first innings in Test cricket?

Fastest centuries on Test debut: (By balls)

85 – Shikhar Dhawan
93 – Dwayne Smith 
99 – Prithvi Shaw*
105 – Matt Prior 
106 – Abul Hasan

Mumbai batsmen scoring a century on Test debut:
Pravin Amre, 1992
Rohit Sharma, 2013
Prithvi Shaw, 2018

Youngest players to score a century in career’s debut Test:
17y 61d – Mohammad Ashraful 
17y 352d – Hamilton Masakadza 
18y 323d – Saleem Malik 
18y 329d – Prithvi Shaw*
19y 105d – Mohammad Wasim

Youngest Indian players to score a century in Tests for India:
17y 107d – Sachin Tendulkar
18y 253d – Sachin Tendulkar 
18y 283d – Sachin Tendulkar 
18y 329d – Prithvi Shaw*
19y 216d – Sachin Tendulkar

CENTURY! 

Sparking Test century for Prithvi Shaw. Came in with a reputation of scoring hundreds, big hundreds and now in his first outing at the senior level. Shaw has delivered. Hundred on Ranji debut. Ton on Duleep trophy debut and now today he is gone one notch higher. Incredible! The entire balcony including the support staff is on their feet. Shaw pumps his fist after returning for the second run after a push to deep extra cover.

After 32 overs,India 172/1 ( Prithvi Shaw 99 , Cheteshwar Pujara 67)

Quiet end to Bishoo’s over. Shaw tucked the first ball on the legside and Pujara knew the 18-year old is on 98. He turned, kept his head down and started running. Shaw was alert to not fall in the temptation. Denies the second run. Pujara turns again and puts in the dive. The anxiety gets to Kohli and Rahane in the balcony, they are worried one second and break into laughter the next.

After 31 overs,India 171/1 ( Prithvi Shaw 98 , Cheteshwar Pujara 67)

Gabriel held the length back in the first half of the over, Shaw played some firm back foot punches but couldn’t find the gap. Just as Gabriel goes a little full, Shaw nails it through covers for another superb boundary. He is one hit away from his hundred.

FOUR! Length outside off and Shaw has driven this handsomely. The ball goes square off the cover fielder. He is galloping towards his century.

After 30 overs,India 166/1 ( Prithvi Shaw 93 , Cheteshwar Pujara 67)

There is little doubt over Shaw’s affinity to cut shot. Can’t give him any sort of length, he gets low, creates room and looks to slice everytime there is an opportunity. Finds the fielder on this ocassion. Gets the single to sweeper cover off the next ball. Pujara blocks the remainder of the over.

After 29 overs,India 165/1 ( Prithvi Shaw 92 , Cheteshwar Pujara 67)

India going close to six an over. India completely romping over the Windies at the moment. A rather sedate over with just couple of singles off the over. Pujara missed out on an easy scoring opportunity with Gabriel slipping a full delivery down the leg side. But, hey, don’t hear anybody complaining.

After 28 overs,India 163/1 ( Prithvi Shaw 91 , Cheteshwar Pujara 66)

Some bounce off the first ball off Bishoo’s over did surprise Prithvi, who was looking to cut the ball, even the keeper couldn’t collect it cleanly. Four byes off the first ball. Shaw continues to dominate as he marches into the 90s.

FOUR! Poor from Bishoo. Short and straight. Shaw pounches on it to pull it off his hips to long leg fence. Into the 90s now!

After 27 overs,India 153/1 ( Prithvi Shaw 85 , Cheteshwar Pujara 66)

Seems at the moment that whatever threat Gabriel possessed with the new ball has also been blunted out. Pujara too dealing in boundaries and running the second run. Can you blame him? Which batsmen wouldn’t want to bat at this stage against this bowling attack on this pitch? The partnership is worth 150.

FOUR! Cannot bowl straight to Pujara. Bread and buttler for India’s number three. Gives his wrists some light workout, glancing it through mid wicket area.

FOUR! Outside off stump and Pujara uses the pace of Gabriel. Opens the face of the blade and runs it past the two slips. Frustrating for the bowler

After 26 overs,India 143/1 ( Prithvi Shaw 84 , Cheteshwar Pujara 56)

Shaw is reveling this. Great batting conditions, freebies on offer and the youngster is now asserting control. Couple of attacking strokes in the first over after lunch to a leg spinner tells you about his courage and skill. Will keep the strike with a single off the final ball.

FOUR! On the legs from Bishoo and Shaw takes the aerial route this time. Flicks it to deep mid wicket boundary. Almost carried all the way.

FOUR! Not from the center of the bat but Shaw is able to get enough as he bends on knee and swipes it to cow corner

We’re back for the afternoon session. Shaw and Pujara will be looking to build on their unbetean 130-run partnership. Windies require some wickets. Will they be able to come back in this session? Bishpo has the ball.

Clealy India’s session. Both Shaw and Pujara have stamped their authority with some dominating batsmanship. On the other hand, apart the initial burst with the new ball, the Windies bowlers haven’t seemed like getting a breakthrough. They lacked control and bolwed both sides of the wicket. Their over rate is poor as well.

Cheteshwar Pujara today till lunch:

First 20 balls – 2 runs
Next 54 balls – 54 runs

Fifty for Pujara, that too with a healthy strike-rate. Following the grind in England, it is nice to see him getting in the groove early. In Australia, Pujara will be an important member in this batting line-up. And if he plays a few significant knocks in this series, it will only increase his confidence as a batsman.

After 25 overs, India 133/1 (Shaw 75, Pujara 56)

LUNCH called!

Fifty for both the batsmen and West Indies dressing room is looking grim. There will be less eating and more talking in their dressing room for sure. Shaw has dealt well with his first session in Test cricket, returns after scoring 75. Looking set for a big one in his debut Test. Pujara, as usual, looking unperturbed playing at his home. Session goes to India.

FOUR! Gap between first slip and gully, Lewis bring the ball in from back of the length, Shaw intentionally plays it through the vacant slip region for a boundary.

Lewis continues

After 24 overs, India 125/1 (Shaw 70, Pujara 53)

Chase continues. There is absolutely no sharpness in his bowling. Just bowling those gentle off-spinner, struggling to find the right length. Kraigg Brathwaite has been trying to stop the run flow rather than take wickets.

Chase continues

After 23 overs, India 121/1 (Shaw 67, Pujara 52)

Shaw is making batting look very easy. West Indies making look bowling look so difficult. Having said that, Rahul must be sulking at himself. To get out in the first over, on this wicket and against this bowling attack must hurt.

FOUR! And that’s a fifty for Pujara, who hits it through the mid-off to fetch a four and also reaches his fifty in style.

Hundreds on Ranji and Duleep debut and now a half century in his maiden Test innings. The legacy continues. And there is a Test ton up for grabs here for this wonder-kid Shaw. What a moment that will be, if he gets there!

Apart from the initial 15-20 minutes, the West Indies bowling has seemed harmless so far. The conditions are tough for the bowlers and it will be a long day for them.

FOUR! Short and wide. Shaw does what he has been doing all day, cuts it through the point for a boundary.

Sherman Lewis back into the attack.

After 22 overs, India 112/1 (Shaw 62, Pujara 48)

Chase continues and continues to falter in line. 8 runs from the over. India still untroubled.

FOUR! Easy, too easy as Pujara steps out and steers the full-toss through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Chase continues.

After 21 overs, India 104/1 (Shaw 61, Pujara 41)

Gabriel has bowled two no-balls today. Hurts the team and in this heat, asks you to bowl one more. Tells you about the state of the bowlers today as he has been the best bet from the visitors as far as bowling is concerned thus far. 

The partnership has also reached to 100. Shaw, Pujara have looked to play with the straight bat, kept things simple.

Gabriel continues.

After 20 overs, India 102/1 (Shaw 61, Pujara 40)

Hundred up for India in the 20th over. It is unbelievable to see how badly West Indies are bowling right now. Too many easy runs on offer right now.

Fastest fifties on Test debut for Indian players: (By balls)

42 – Yuvraj of Patiala 
48 – Hardik Pandya 
50 – Shikhar Dhawan
56 – PRITHVI SHAW*
59 – Lala Amarnath

Youngest to score fifty-plus runs on Test debut for India:

18y 329d – Prithvi Shaw*

20y 126d – Abbas Ali Baig 

20y 276d – Gundappa Viswanath

FOUR! Full this time and Shaw bludgeons it between the mid-on and covers for another boundary.

FOUR! This is very bad bowling, short and wide, Shaw goes on back foot, had so much time to decide where he wants to put it for a boundary, chooses the cover region to get it.

Chase continues.