Mayank Agarwal scored 60 in the first innings of the series-opening Test between India and South Africa. The Indian opening batsman, who scored a hundred and a half-century in the previous Test against New Zealand in Mumbai, continued his impressive run in South Africa.
The 30-year-old scored 60 runs in the first innings of the series opener between India and South Africa as his stand with fellow partner KL Rahul helped the team start on a strong positive note. However, Mayank Agarwal’s stay in the middle came to an end in the 41st over as he was trapped LBW by pacer Lungi Ngidi.
Mayank Agarwal Decides Not To Give His Opinion On His LBW Dismissal Fearing He May Be In Bad Books And His Match Fee Could Be Docked
There was no doubt that the ball was a brilliant one and while the TV replay confirmed it was knocking the bails, it also sparked a debate among the fans who felt that the ball was missing the stumps and going down the leg side. The decision went in South Africa’s favour as it brought an end to the 117-run stand between KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal. Mayank Agarwal had a witty response to the incident when asked about the same after the close of play.
The batter said: “I am not allowed to give my opinion and so I want to leave it at that. Otherwise, I will be in bad books and my money (match fee) could be docked.”
Mayank Agarwal had returned to the Indian Test setup against New Zealand and India won the series 1-0. Making the most of the chance, he ended a two-year wait for a Test hundred and scored 150 & 62 in both innings at the Wankhede stadium.
Rohit Sharma’s Injury Meant Mayank Agarwal Opening Alongside KL Rahul
Interestingly, Mayank Agarwal wasn’t the first-choice opener for India in the ongoing away Test series against the Proteas but an injury to vice-captain Rohit Sharma drafted him at the top. Rohit Sharma was ruled out of the series owing to a hamstring injury he had picked up. Priyank Panchal was named as his replacement player.
KL Rahul along with Ajinkya Rahane will lead India’s charge on Day 2. India finished the first day with a score of 272/3 with two unbeaten batters- KL Rahul (122*) and Ajinkya Rahane (40*). On the second day, India would be eying for a score of around 400-450 to put pressure on the hosts.
Not many backed the former India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane to find a place in the XI for the Centurion opener, especially after Shreyas Iyer’s heroics in the New Zealand series and Hanuma Vihari’s gritty knocks for India A in South Africa earlier this month. But Ajinkya Rahane made an impressive start to his innings with an intent-filled 40 off 81 laced with eight boundaries.
KL Rahul- the Karnataka batsman scored his 7th test hundred and now he scored a century in each country he played Test Cricket. Out of 7 centuries, he scored 5 of them outside Asia- 2 in England, 1 each in Australia, West Indies, and South Africa.
Meanwhile, Centurion experienced a rainy morning on Day 2 of the 1st Test. It is likely to remain this way throughout Day 2 hence offering phases of play. However, at last, it has stopped raining in Centurion. The soppers are out to remove the water.