I Made Sure I Bat For Five To Six Hours While Training – Mayank Agarwal
Oct 3, 2019 at 10:40 PM
India’s opener Mayank Agarwal batted for more than six hours during his marathon innings of 215 off 371 balls in the first innings against South Africa at Visakhapatnam. Agarwal revealed the secret behind his fitness as he stated that he batted for five to six while he was training with his coach R X Muralidhar.
The right-hander has been a consistent performer in the domestic circuit and he was able to grab his chance with both hands on the Tour Down Under. Agarwal had an ordinary tour of the West Indies but he made sure he made a big score against the Proteas.
Mayank Agarwal was at his best.
Agarwal scored his maiden Test hundred in his first Test match and also became the fourth Indian batsman to convert the first century into a double hundred. The right-hander showed the temperament and played like a champion. Thus, Agarwal has made sure that he is India’s first-choice opener.
“You have to make little adjustments when you play in different conditions. For me, long-distance running has helped me. When I was training, I made sure that I bat five-to-six hours. Preparing for long hours has helped me in improving my game,” Agarwal said in the post-match conference.
Meanwhile, Mayank Agarwal is delighted to contribute to the team’s cause. The right-hander batted at the top of his game and made sure that he punished the bowlers whenever they veer off the track. The Karnataka batsman scored 23 fours and six sixes in his sublime knock.
Agarwal scored his maiden century.
“I am extremely happy that I was able to contribute to the team. Being part of a side that is winning matches and tournaments is a privilege and I am happy to be part of the squad. Having crossed the milestone of 100, eased my nerves and being out there for a long time in the middle gave me confidence,” Agarwal told reporters.
“I was determined to put away the loose balls. You cannot think about what will happen if you don’t score runs, you just have to be clear in your thought process. As an opening batsman, you have to set the tone for your team,” he added.
“Definitely we are very happy with the way we have played in the first two days. But there is no room for complacency since we have the upper hand, we will keep the pressure going and we will be relentless,” Agarwal said.
South Africa will resume day 3 from 39-3 and India would like to strengthen their grip on the match.