Mayank Agarwal Becomes First Indian In 30 Years To Survive First Session In New Zealand

On Friday, the young Indian opening batsman Mayank Agarwal achieved a rare feat by surviving the first session of the play against New Zealand at Basin Reserve in Wellington. He remained unbeaten at the time of lunch on Day 1 to break the 30-year wait. The last time when an Indian opening batsman survived the first session was Manoj Prabhakar in 1990.

Prabhakar managed to achieve the feat in the second Test in Napier and scored 95 off 268 balls in India’s first innings as the visitors gathered 358 for nine before declaring.

However, the match ended in a draw with New Zealand scoring 178 for obe in their first innings. Notably, day one and day five of the game were washed out.

Agarwal battled through the first session of the ongoing first Test against the Black Caps in Wellington as India reached the lunch break at 79 for three. \

The composed character Agarwal was unbeaten on 29 with vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane (19 not out) giving him good support at the end before lunch.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and invited India to bat first. Tim Southee struck early for the Black Caps, as he removed Prithvi Shaw (16) with an excellent outswinger.

Cheteshwar Pujara (11) and skipper Virat Kohli (2) were also sent back to the dressing room soon after by pacer Kyle Jamieson on his Test debut for the Kiwis.

Agarwal and Rahane then joined forces and batted sensibly to ensure that there were no more casualties for India in the first session. The duo added 39 off 61 balls before the first break.

The day ended with India posting 122 for five after the rain washed out the entire third session and stopped play. Rahane (38*) and Rishabh Pant (10*) were at the crease when the day’s play was called off.

Also Read: Can’t Rely On Just One Or Two Players: Harmanpreet Kaur