Mayank Agarwal shines on debut: 'Trial by fire passed with flying colours', Twitter lauds youngster's efforts at MCG

Australia snared the crucial wicket of India’s Mayank Agarwal on the stroke of tea to offer a glimmer of hope in the third Test on a docile, batsman-friendly Melbourne wicket on Wednesday.

India came into the clash with a new pair of inexperienced openers after the misfiring Murali Vijay and KL Rahul were axed, suggesting a hint of panic as Virat Kohli’s men look to win their first ever series in Australia.

But the exciting Agarwal rose to the challenge after Kohli won an important toss and opted to bat on a pitch that is expected to deteriorate as the match wears on.

He stroked 76 and was looking impregnable before Pat Cummins had him caught behind by Tim Paine as he gloved the last ball before the break down the legside.

India ground their way to 123 for two at tea with the patient Cheteshwar Pujara unbeaten on 33.

The four-Test series is tied 1-1 after India won the opening clash in Adelaide by 31 runs and Australia drew level with a 146-run victory in Perth, making Melbourne a crunch encounter.

Agarwal, who has been in fine form in domestic Indian cricket, scored his first Test runs with a three through the covers off Josh Hazlewood and he had plundered 17 before the more cagey Hanuma Vihari, promoted to open from number six in Perth, troubled the scorers.

Agarwal’s impressive maiden innings saw adulation coming from various quarters, acknowledging the dazzling debut at the MCG against Australia. Here’s how Twitter reacted to the youngster’s impressive start to Test career.

Batted like he belongs

Wonderfully played by Mayank Agarwal. Has shown no nerves and the mountain of runs he has scored seems to have stood him in good stead. Has batted so far like he belongs

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 26, 2018

What’s the fuss aye? Rahul? Vijay?

what was all this fuss about test cricket? - mayank agarwal #AUSvIND

— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) December 26, 2018

Agarwal might have missed not have got his ‘100’, but he still passes with flying colours

Trial by fire and debutant Mayank Agarwal passes it with flying colours with a fine half century. Bravo!

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) December 26, 2018

The way Agarwal dealt with Lyon – leading wicket-taker in the ongoing series so far – is extremely impressive

Agarwal has played Lyon superbly. As this graphic shows, he's put away the fuller, wider, deliveries, but he's also attacked Lyon's stock ball, not letting him settle. The upshot is that he's played just 4% false shots against Lyon, whilst still scoring at 3.5rpo. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/30OTkIL8WZ

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) December 26, 2018

The hard yards, the sweat and the perseverance of playing in Domestic cricket finally pays rich rewards to Agarwal

Mayank Agarwal showing the benefits of playing Domestic Cricket. The way he has been dealing with Lyon has been terrific#BoxingDayTest #AUSvIND

— North Stand Gang - Wankhede (@NorthStandGang) December 26, 2018

Expect long queues of bat sponsors lined to sign Mayank Agarwal after a brilliant debut innings

Sponsor-less bat. Special feels

— Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee) December 26, 2018

A point that the selectors can note, and a point that gives Ranji players a hope

Mayank Agarwal is doing a huge favour to all those Ranji dwellers who have been putting incredible domestic numbers year in and year out and still been ignored. Hope this opens the selectors and team leaderships eyes. #AUSvIND #RanjiTrophy #MayankAgarwal

— Arjun Nayar (@arjunayarr) December 26, 2018

When you have waited so long for your break, nothing really matters

.@mayankcricket well played.
Quality attack, imposing arena, makeshift partner, series in the balance, flown in from home, nothing mattered.

Those drives off Lyon will be remembered. May this be the first top knock of many, son.#ausvind #INDvAUS #BoxingDayTest #MelbourneTest

— Abhishek Mukherjee (@ovshake42) December 26, 2018

Agarwal’s astronomical figures in domestic cricket

Mayank Agarwal across three formats since last season
FC - 1918 runs, ave 71.03, 6 100s, 7 50s
List A - 1747 runs, ave 58.23, 7 100s, 6 50s
T20s - 378 runs, ave 19.89, 3 50s
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Total: 4043 runs, ave 53.19, 13 100s, 16 50s#AusvInd#AusvsInd

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) December 26, 2018

With inputs from AFP