Mayank Agarwal, New Zealand vs India 2020, Wind, Wellington
Mayank Agarwal. Credits - Twitter

The young batter Mayank Agarwal showed his class with the bat in the first innings of the first Test at Basin Reserve against New Zealand while facing the quality bowlers in tough conditions. Unfortunately, he couldn’t make the most of the opportunity, as he faltered in the second session.

Speaking of the same, Agarwal stated that it wasn’t easy in the middle for the batters.

Prithvi Shaw
Prithvi Shaw (Credits: Twitter)

With an uphill task awaiting the Indian openers, Agarwal and Prithvi Shaw, the pressure was on Team India to weather the storm from the Kiwi pacers.

Always being a tough place for batsmen, India were quickly reduced to 40 for three but Agarwal played out the first session and went back unbeaten on 29* along with Ajinkya Rahane at the other end.

I think it is quite tricky – Mayank Agarwal

Agarwal (34) was the only batsman, apart from vice-captain Rahane (38 batting), who was able to counter the New Zealand seamers as India scored 122 for five in the rain-marred first day.

Read More  Marcus Stoinis brutally punished by Cricket Australia

He also became the first Indian opener in 30 years, since 1990, to survive the first session of a Test in New Zealand.

Mayank Agarwal, First Indian, New Zealand vs India 2020, Manoj Prabhakar,
Mayank Agarwal (Credits: Twitter)

“I think it is quite tricky since the wind blows at more than a decent speed here. And you just have to make adjustments right there on the field. As a batsman, it’s not easy, especially the first day, on this track. As a batsman, you never felt that you were completely in because even after lunch, it was doing a little bit,” said Agarwal.

Kyle Jamieson was terrific: Mayank Agarwal

India’s toughest challenge was facing the tall pacer, Kyle Jamieson. The Kiwi pacer’s height combined with the spongy nature of the pitch turned out to be a lethal combination in Wellington.

Agarwal, in the post-day press conference, revealed that facing the lanky pacer’s influence on this pitch was a lethal combination.

Mayank Agarwal, Kyle Jamieson,
Kyle Jamieson (Credits: Twitter)

“Well for him, he (Jamieson) was getting a lot of bounce since the wicket was soft, he got an extra kick as well. As a batsman, you have to put in efforts to counter it. I think it is a combination of the pitch and his bowling. With that height, in this pitch, in those areas, he was terrific,“ he said in the post-day press conference. 

Seeing off the challenges posed in the form of garrulous conditions and enough swing on offer on the surface, Agarwal had set a nice platform for himself at the stroke of lunch break.

Read More  Irfan Pathan explodes on Hardik Pandya after the Mumbai Indians' captain brings shame to his team

However, he departed for a well-made 34 when he failed to time a pull shot, off Trent Boult, and was caught at deep fine leg in the second session.

I just love what I script. Over the years, Cricket has been my passion and crisping articles on it gives me an immense pleasure...Cheers...!!!