Abhiprai Biswas walked into bat with Spencer Green in terrific rhythm. The left-handed batter took guard and slog-swept his first ball over midwicket for a six, marking his India Under-19 debut in some fashion.

“There was no plan as such. The ball was in my zone, so I backed my shot,” Biswas told Sports stars later.

Biswas went on to complete his half-century off just 36 balls, scoring 73 off 62 with 11 fours and two sixes to help India U-19 take a 141-run first-innings lead over Australia U-19 in the second multi-day Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium here.

“I usually play like this. I back myself to play my shots. I train to play my shots, so my body has adapted to it and reacted the way it did – muscle memory,” Biswas said.

The knock was particularly impressive given how tricky the pitch was becoming to bat on when he walked in during the second session of day two. There was variable bounce, with the odd ball turning square.

But for Biswas, it was another Tuesday, having played on similar surfaces in local matches back in West Bengal.

“On such wickets, I adapt quickly. My shots are a bit horizontal, which helps on such wickets, playing sweeps and reverse sweeps. I play the cut and pull well. So, I back myself on such wickets. I have played such kinds of innings several times in the past,” he said.

The wicketkeeper-batter hails from Durgapur and began playing cricket at age seven. However, due to a lack of facilities in his hometown, Biswas joined a coaching centre in Kolkata, nearly 170 kms away from his home.

“I used to travel with my mother almost daily. At least four or five times a week, we used to go to Kolkata. There used to be a train that left around 3.30-4 in the morning, so we used to take that,” Biswas recalled, acknowledging his family’s support throughout his journey.

​His hard work and all those tiring routine travels paid off when he made his Bengal U-23 debut at just 16 and has been part of the U-23 squad for the last few seasons.

​“When I started playing U-23, the maturity level was quite low. The shot selection and mindset were very different. The maturity levels have risen since then. The standards are high at the U-23 level,” Biswas said.

He earned his maiden India U-19 call-up for the two multi-day Tests against Australia U-19 on the back of performances at both U-19 and U-23 levels for Bengal. Biswas also impressed during the camps at the Centre of Excellence (CoE).

“It was a very nice feeling, having my first India U-19 call-up. It was always my dream to wear the India jersey. It happened, and I got to perform as well. I need to keep performing like this,” he said.

Now 18, Biswas, however, won’t be eligible for the U-19 World Cup in early 2028. But he is not disappointed at missing out on the opportunity.

“It is what it is. Abhi has to play a lot (There’s a long way to go). I am looking forward to the U-19 Asia Cup (in November) for now,” he concluded.