Mayank Agarwal started his Test career brilliantly, scoring 76 runs off 161 balls to lay the foundation for India’s massive first innings total, on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

The Karnataka lad put on 40 runs for the opening wicket with Hanuma Vihari before sharing a 83-run stand with Cheteshwar Pujara. Agarwal’s innings was studded with 8 boundaries and 1 six. India finished Day 1 on 215/2 with Pujara (68*) and skipper Virat Kohli (47*) at the crease.

Speaking to KL Rahul after the end of first day’s play for BCCI website, Agarwal said a lot of emotions were running through him before the debut Test.

“When I entered the ground today for the pre-match routine, it seemed like a big big ground, you know a few people there, a lot of emotions were going through, something I’ve never felt before. It was a fun day, having you here was nice, a guy who also made his debut at MCG,” Mayank quoted.

With this knock, the 27-year-old Agarwal also became the first Indian opener to score a fifty on debut in Australia.

Rahul, who was dropped from the playing XI after a lean run of form, was full of praise for Mayank, calling him an inspiration ever since they started playing domestic cricket for Karnataka.

“I’ve seen in the dressing room growing up and he is one of my inspirations in the dressing room. When we played together, I used to see him hitting the gym, hitting the nets,” Rahul said.

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