He has scored a mountain of runs in domestic cricket but the India recognition has been rather late in coming. Yet, Mayank Agarwal has kept that fire burning.
Flying into Australia on an SOS, not playing any practice game down under, he opened India’s batting on the big stage at the MCG in the Boxing Day against an incisive Aussie pace attack.
The 27-year-old soaked in the pressure and raised his game for an impressive 76 on debut.
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The Karnataka opener later said, “I had a lot of emotions running through the mind when I got the India cap. The emotions were overwhelming but I just stuck to my plans.”
Despite waiting for long, Mayank was pleased that his debut came on a huge occasion. “I feel very very special. I am very lucky because I made my debut at the MCG. Bigger the stage, bigger the opportunity.”
He added, “When you play Ranji Trophy for five years and play in all parts of India, you learn a lot from that. You face different situations, you develop.”
About the pitch, Mayank said, “I won’t complain about the surface. I thought it was a good pitch to bat on. It did do a bit early on, and it was slow. And as the day progressed and when we batted after lunch, it got a little quicker. Before the match, I did not think too much about the wicket, just kept my mind blank.”
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Mayank said he wanted to excel in all formats. “I would take my 76 today but would have liked to go on and stay not out at the end of the day. The Aussies bowled well, did not give many loose balls.”
Mayank was exceptional
Australian batsman Travis Head said he was disappointed to see a section of the crowd booing Mitchell Marsh, who was picked in the eleven at the expense of local boy Peter Handscomb.
Head said, “It was sad to see that happening. Mitchell actually bowled his heart out today.”
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The Aussie said, “It was a tough day. We created the pressure but India batted well. We restricted India today and tomorrow’s morning session will be massive.”
Asked about Mayank’s batting, he said, “I have played with him for Delhi Daredevils. And he played very well against us in the India A tour. I thought it was tough work today, Boxing Day with 70000-odd people can be difficult on your debut, he played exceptionally well.”
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