Mayank Agarwal, Australia vs India 2018-19
Mayank Agarwal scored fifty on his Test debut at the MCG. Image Courtesy: Getty

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

Mayank Agarwal, Australia vs India 2018-19
Mayank Agarwal scored 76 on his Test debut at the MCG. Image Courtesy: Getty

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

Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara
Kohli and Pujara helped India sail smoothly on day one of the MCG Test. Image Courtesy: Getty

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 –

https://twitter.com/MitchJohnson398/status/1077801154040352768

Gautam Sodhi

I am more than just a cricket lover. I have been breathing this game since I was three, and now I am making a living out of it. Also, FC Barcelona happens to be my second love, and evidently, I prefer...

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