The Boxing Day Test at the ‘MCG’ saw India batting first after winning the toss. As the series is levelled at 1-1, both India and Australia made changes to the playing XI. The hosts brought Mitchell Marsh back on the team sheet, whereas, Virat Kohli made three changes; as Mayank Agarwal, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra, all returning to the XI. However, the first day saw Agarwal, Pujara and Kohli taking honours. Meanwhile, at stumps on day one, India stand tall at 215 for two.
Mayank-Vihari, India’s new opening pair
A lot had been talked about India’s opening pair on the overseas tour. With KL Rahul remaining entirely out of form, and Murali Vijay not getting any younger; Virat got forced to make a few changes. Mayank Agarwal, India’s wonder boy finally made it to the XI, while Vihari was asked to be his partner at the top. Though the change was expected to work, it didn’t disappoint given how the openers had fared in 2018 so far.
On the one hand, Vihari showed patience for his eight runs, Mayank Agarwal, on the other one, starred with the bat. The right-hander batsman became the second Indian to score a fifty on debut in Australia before he got out on 76 off Pat Cummins. Also, during his first outing at the MCG, Agarwal hit eight fours and one six. Also, Cummins had got both the wickets.
Pujara-Kohli put India on the front foot
However, at tea, India’s scorecard read 123 for two; and after that, the pair of Pujara-Kohli made merry of the old ball. Slamming his second fifty of the tour, Pujara dominated the bowlers with ease and his defence, of course. Drawing attention from the crowd every time he steps on the field, Virat Kohli churned out some runs as well. The India captain, in the meantime, remained three shy of his fifty but helped India take honours on day one of the third Test.
Here is how the Twitter reacted –
Carried his form from FC cricket to the Test matches now. Well played @mayankcricket , very impressive. Time to convert #AUSvIND
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) December 26, 2018
Fifty on debut. In Aus. On the Boxing Day. Composure. Well done, Mayank Agarwal ??? #AusvInd @7Cricket @1116sen
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 26, 2018
Mayank Agarwal now the only 2nd Indian make a 50+ on Test debut on Australian soil after Dattu Phadkar (51) at SCG in Dec 1947! #AusvInd#AusvsInd
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) December 26, 2018
Wonderfully played by Mayank Agarwal. Has shown no nerves and the mountain of runs he has scored seems to have stood him in good stead. Has batted so far like he belongs
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/MitchJohnson398/status/1077801154040352768
First one to take a close look at the wicket at end of play… Ravindra Jadeja. Add to it the unpredictable bounce in third session, and this could get interesting a couple days later. #AusvInd
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) December 26, 2018
Well played, @mayankcricket . He was knocking at the selection doors for a long time and should have been given his chance a long ago. However, he has hit the paddle running in his maiden appearance in the Indian whites. #AUSvIND
— Gautam Chauhan? (@Gautamchauhan2) December 26, 2018
A great first day in #Melbourne! @mayankcricket with a smashing test debut. @imVkohli and @cheteshwar1 Pujara sailing the ship ahead slowly but surely for India. Good one boys! ?? #AusvsIndia
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) December 26, 2018