Growing up, the curiosity and stares made New Zealand’s 6 feet 8 inches pace sensation Kyle Jamieson feel awkward but his father Michael remained confident that his imposing son would one day be famous for his achievements.

The 25-year-old has made quite a start in trying to live up to his father’s prediction, scalping the peerless Virat Kohli and the dogged Cheteshwar Pujara on the opening day of his Test career — the first game against India here.

“His towering height was a reason of curiosity for his peers even when he was at school and he used to feel awkward as to why people would just stare at him,” a smiling Michael Jamieson recalled.

“I simply told Kyle that if they are staring at you, one day you will certainly become famous.”

Jamieson senior savoured every moment of his son’s memorable Test debut against India in which he snared 3/38 on Day I.

“Getting Virat Kohli and a player of Cheteshwar Pujara’s calibre out, it doesn’t get better,” said Michael.

Clad in grey shorts and a navy blue T-shirt, the mechanical engineer from Auckland hardly stood out among fans as he landed on Friday to be on time for his son’s Test debut.

“My wife Sheryl missed out today. I am lucky. I hope he has a long career for New Zealand. What I have loved about him is his ability to give 100 per cent. He played basketball as well but at 17, he decided to become a professional cricketer,” the proud father said.

“He told me that he wanted to give it a try and even if he isn’t successful, he could have got back to academics.

“He has a bachelor’s degree in commerce with specialisation in supply chains management. But then, academics is an option to fall back on if he didn’t make it as a cricketer.”