Australia vs India 2018: 3rd Test Match, MCG, Day 1 - Lunch Report

India’s captain Virat Kohli called the right side of the coin and opted to bat first on flat looking Melbourne pitch. The visitors had two rookie opening batsman in Hanuma Vihari and Mayank Agarwal. The Karnataka batsman – Mayank Agarwal became the 295th Test player for India. Agarwal was able to hit the ground running as he showed the right technique.

However, Agarwal’s first boundary at the International circuit didn’t come in a convincing manner. He chased down a wide ball from Mitchell Starc and edged it over the flying Mitchell Marsh at gully. In fact, the right-hander showed the right resistance as he batted with confidence.

It was India’s session.

Mayank Agarwal has earned his chance as he has scored bucketful of runs in the domestic circuit. In fact, the right-hander oozed the same confidence while playing against the big Australian boys.

On the other hand, Hanuma Vihari was sedate in his batting approach. The right-hander who was promoted to take up the new role batted with gumption. In fact, Vihari took 25 balls to hit the paddle running. However, Vihari was struck on the helmet by Pat Cummins accurate bouncer.

Meanwhile, Pat Cummins was the pick of the Australian bowlers as he bowled with his tail up. Cummins was able to ask the right questions as he bowled with sheer pace. The gun pacer got the better of Vihari with a snorter when the right-hander could not get away from the line of the ball and gloved the ball to Aaron Finch.

In fact, Vihari had a lucky escape when Nathan Lyon and Tim Paine decided not to go for the review when the ball was hitting the stumps. On the other hand, Mayank Agarwal has thus far grabbed his opportunity with both hands.

Brief Scores: India: 57-1, Mayank Agarwal: 34 (68), Pat Cummins: 1-4.