Shackleton's talent was soon recognised, and he played his first Test against the West Indies in 1950. With the pitches plumb and batsmen willing to hit him, Shackleton enjoyed little success. Frank Worrell scored a double century, and Everton Weekes a century, in his debut match. He also failed on his only chance of an Ashes tour. After another successful season in 1951, Shackleton was chosen to tour India in 1951/1952, but though accurate he lacked penetration on the slow Indian turf. With Alec Bedser, and later Fred Trueman, Brian Statham and Frank Tyson providing England's with penetrating pace bowling, Shackleton had no opportunities in Test cricket for over a decade.