#IndiaInAustralia: Mayank joins Gavaskar, Shaw as he scripts another record

By Rajdeep Saha

Jan 03, 2019

11:38 am

What's the story

It was a pleasing sight when Mayank Agarwal made his debut in the third Test against Australia.

He played a crucial role to help India win the Test by 137 runs.

Today, Mayank produced another gritty knock of 77 runs.

With this, he became the third Indian opener after Sunil Gavaskar and Prithvi Shaw to score two fifties in the first three career innings.

Knock

Mayank has been in supreme form with the bat in domestic format. He has continued in the same vein in international cricket as well.

The Karnataka batsman scored a valiant 112-ball 77 on Thursday.

Mayank smashed seven fours and two sixes.

He was defined by his positive attitude.

He looked confident and attacked Aussies when required.

Fans witnessed another top class innings from him.

Battle

Mayank's approach against spinner Nathan Lyon was terrific.

He used his feet well and did not allow the senior spinner to settle down.

He hit two massive sixes off Lyon and gave us the indication that he isn't afraid to charge at him.

However, Mayank was eventually dismissed by Lyon.

He tried to launch another biggie, but was caught at long-on.

Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara has played a supporting role in helping Mayank to settle down in international cricket.

The senior batsman had shared a tremendous 83-run stand with Mayank at the MCG and that went on to set the tone.

And now at the SCG, the two players rallied together and amassed a commendable 116-run stand for the second wicket.

Pujara's experience has guided Mayank.

Test cricket

Mayank has shown that he belongs at the top level.

His scores in Test cricket read, 76, 42 and 77.

He is averaging 65.00 at the moment with a strike-rate of 52.00.

Mayank will be disappointed as a century in Sydney was there for the taking.

But this is only his second Test and the maturity will come with time.