India, June 4 -- Emilio Gay has had a baptism by fire on his international debut.

The 26-year-old left-handed batsman, ahead of day one of the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's on Thursday, received his Test cap from none other than Sir Alastair Cook.

Cook and Gay went to the same school in Bedford. It was an emotional moment for the debutant to all intents and purposes. However, his joy was short-lived as he fell to Kyle Jamieson in the sixth over of the first session for 8.

It's not something out of the ordinary. It has happened to many cricketers, and some of them went on to become one of the greats. England fans would hope that's exactly how Gay's journey pans out.

Gary Steer, director of cricket at Bedford School, has said...