Yashasvi Jaiswal did what many hoped and prayed for the young 21-year-old left-hander as he made his first appearance in international cricket in the first Test against the West Indies and slammed his maiden century in Dominica on Day 2 on Thursday, July 13. Jaiswal, who was coming off a sensational domestic season and the IPL, was nervous at the start but got better as the innings progressed and became the 17th Indian batter to smash a century on debut in the longest format of the game.
Jaiswal is also just the third Indian opener after Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw to score a Test century on debut as India continued to pile on the misery for the West Indies after the hosts were shot out for 150. Jaiswal remained positive throughout the innings as he didn't hesitate even once before putting a short or fuller delivery to the boundary.
Jaiswal also became only the 7th Indian batter to slam a century on debut in an away Test as he joined the likes of Suresh Raina, Virender Sehwag and Sourav Ganguly among others on the list. This is the first time in 13 years that an Indian debutant has smashed an away Test century after Raina in 2010.
After a nervy start, Jaiswal looked in control of his innings and was very sure of his footwork as well as decision-making as to what shot he wanted to play and in which position. Jaiswal made sure that India got off to a sensational start in their innings and was supported ably well by the skipper Rohit Sharma, who also smashed his 10th Test century.
The duo put together 229 runs for the first wicket, which is the highest opening partnership in the West Indies. Even though the Indian team lost two wickets together, they will hope that Virat Kohli can support Jaiswal as he continues his golden touch.
