Australia vs India 2018/19, Third Test, Day 1: 5 Talking Points 

#3. Mayank Agarwal’s debut fifty

Mayank Agrawal

For two consecutive seasons now, Mayank Agarwal has been the best batsman in India’s domestic circuit and finally, he got an opportunity to represent his country at the historical MCG.

The stakes were very high with the series on the line and this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for him. Under such pressure, Agarwal showed great maturity and was not overwhelmed by the situation.

The hallmark of his innings was the way in which he picked up two’s and three’s by placing the ball into the gaps. After seeing off the new ball, he played some exquisite front foot strokes against the Aussie bowlers. He targeted Nathan Lyon in particular and did not allow him to bowl a specific line and length.

He was well on course for a debut century but was dismissed in an unlucky manner after a well made 76. With this innings, Agarwal has cemented his place in the team for the next few Tests.