Mayank Agarwal, who followed up his promising debut in Melbourne with an impressive innings of 77 in Sydney on Thursday, revealed legendary batsman Rahul Dravid had played a significant role in strengthening his mind.
Mayank said, “He (Dravid) told me to particularly think about how to manage my mental energy and that’s something we have spoken about for four to six months and he has helped me go through that path.”
The opener added, “We as batsmen speak about our technique and the game and he is out there to guide us and help us climb the ladder.”
Read: Pujara, Mayank masterclass puts India on top
Mayank, who added 116 vital runs for the second wicket with Cheteshwar Pujara to lay a sound platform for India, said, “We spoke about putting together a partnership. They were bowling really well and we said 'let us try and play close to the body and not give them wickets. He kept talking to me."
On Pujara, the Karnataka batsman said, “It is definitely great to watch him bat from the other end and also watch the way he grinds the bowlers, he has got a pattern to it. He understands his strengths and knows he is very tight with his defense.”
Mayank was disappointed on missing out on a hundred after being held in the deep off Nathan Lyon. “Disappointment is there that I threw away my wicket. I was looking to dominate him, and it didn’t work out.”
Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne had a forgettable day at SCG, his feeble leg-spin being taken for runs by the Indians.
The Australian revealed he will have a more major role to play with the bat — he will be coming in at No. 3. He said, “I have pretty much batted most of my time in Queensland at No.3. I am definitely excited, batting three for Australia who wouldn’t be excited?"
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