Mayank Agarwal: The Indian opening batsman sort of gifted his wicket after a hard-earned half-century at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
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During the second day of the second tour match of the ongoing India’s tour of Australia in Sydney, India opening batsman Mayank Agarwal regained form on the back of his 27th first-class half-century.
Opening the batting with Prithvi Shaw (3), Agarwal stitched a 104-run partnership for the second wicket alongside Shubman Gill (65). Gill, who was in supreme touch much like the first innings, saw Agarwal playing second fiddle.
However, Agarwal took the onus upon himself after Gill’s dismissal. Having got his eye in after a cautious start, the 29-year old batsman made it a point to get some runs under his belt before the first Test against Australia in Adelaide from December 17.
Agarwal, who had also played a couple of ODIs and the first tour match, had been getting starts but hadn’t convert them until now. The Indian team management would be contended with both him and Gill being among the runs.
Agarwal, who ended up scoring 61 (120) with the help of four fours and two sixes, fell victim to a well-set plan laid down by Australia A captain Alex Carey. The right-hand batsman was seen hitting a Will Sutherland delivery straight to concussion substitute Patrick Rowe at deep point.
The batsman was left surprised after hitting the ball straight to the boundary fielder when all he appeared to do was play a check-drive.
Apart from Agarwal and Gill, batsman Hanuma Vihari also scored a half-century to instill confidence in the team management.
Mayank Agarwal left surprised after unusual dismissal vs Australia A
Agarwal couldn’t believe how well he hit that! The Australia A plan works.
Watch #AUSAvIND live: https://t.co/7h4rdQDzHV pic.twitter.com/cQc5XB4X6J
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 12, 2020
How Twitterati reacted:
Shubman Gill has to be India’s opener alongside Mayank Agarwal in the first Test @RealShubmanGill @mayankcricket
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) December 12, 2020
! @mayankcricket raises his half-century with a fine boundary. He has shifted gears beautifully in this innings.
India 152-2 after 36 overs and lead Australia A by 238 runs. #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/ReJOnUMxmQ
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 12, 2020
I think Gill has done enough to make his debut as an opener at Adelaide. If he does He will only be the third opener from India to make his debut in Australia joining his partner Mayank Agarwal and Amir Elahi who did it way back in 1947. #AUSvIND
— Gaurav Sundararaman (@gaurav_sundar) December 12, 2020
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