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

What's the fuss aye? Rahul? Vijay?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Agarwal's astronomical figures in domestic cricket

With inputs from AFP