Shreyas Iyer creates history with a century on debut in Kanpur Test against New Zealand

Shreyas Iyer became the 16th Indian player to hit a century on debut and it was the third time an Indian achieved a century against New Zealand in their first match.

Shreyas Iyer played a crucial knock. (Image credit: BCCI Twitter)
By Siddharth vishwanathan | Nov 26, 2021 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Shreyas Iyer created history on day 2 of the first Test between India and New Zealand in Kanpur on Friday. The Mumbai right-hander became the 16th Indian player to hit a century on debut as he showed his class. Notably, he became the third Indian player to score a century on debut against New Zealand. Iyer, who was on 75 at the end of day 1, had tackled the swing and spin of the New Zealand bowlers admirably on day 1. He found tremendous support from Ravindra Jadeja who ensured that India would be in a good position.

At the end of the first day, Iyer had signaled his confidence by launching Ajaz Patel for a big six to show his intent. In the second over on day 2, Shreyas Iyer unfurled his class by hammering Kyle Jamieson for two boundaries, one a flick through midwicket and another a glide past point. New Zealand, though, got the big wicket of Jadeja for 50 with Tim Southee taking the wicket. Southee, who was injured on the first day, showed no visible discomfort as he forced Jadeja to drag the ball back onto the stumps.

Shreyas Iyer creates history

Iyer neared his ton when he once again pounced on some erratic bowling from Jamieson. He smashed another boundary past point but he had some nervous moments. There was an edge that fell short of the slips while he drove a full ball to enter the nervous 90s. Jamieson, who was the pick of the bowlers on day 1, struggled with his line and length as he leaked boundaries.

Iyer notched up the landmark when he dabbed a ball from Jamieson to point for a couple. It was a fine occasion at a venue where he has enjoyed tremendous success. It was at this venue six years ago that Indian cricket had found Iyer. As a youngster, on a swinging wicket at Green Park during the Ranji Trophy match against Uttar Pradesh, Iyer smashed an aggressive fifty to herald his arrival as a new talent.

After amassing over 4000 runs at an average of 50, Iyer was handed his debut cap by Sunil Gavaskar. This was something new in the era of Rahul Dravid. Before his Test debut, Iyer had some notable moments against Australia and New Zealand A. He had hit a double century against Australia in 2017 which was his highest score. Against New Zealand A, he hit a century and 82 in two Tests to show that it was only a matter of time before he was getting a Test cap.

Tough few months, but redemption for Iyer

In 2021, Shreyas Iyer suffered a dislocated shoulder that ruled him out of the initial stages of the IPL. He was also not available for the tour to England. After a disappointing IPL and ICC World T20 in the UAE, Ajinkya Rahane stated that Iyer would be making his debut.

After reaching his century, Iyer fell to Southee as he drove an outswinger to cover to depart for 105. It was a brilliant exhibition of bowling from Southee, who took a five-wicket haul but India has crossed 300. On this Kanpur wicket which is deteriorating, India may have just enough to trouble New Zealand.





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