Namma Mayank shows Steel & Style

Agarwal ton leads India’s reply after Mumbai boy Ajaz show for Kiwis

By Mohammed Rumman Khan | NT

Mumbai: Opener Mayank Agarwal’s fourth Test ton helped India end the opening day of the second Test at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on 221 for 4. Ajaz Patel was a lone beacon for the Black Caps, all other bowlers struggled to create any pressure. The India openers brought up the half-century stand in the 19th over as NZ’s skipper Will Somerville struggled to create any impact.

In the 28th over, spinner lured Gill out of the crease and emphatically beat him in flight, but Tom Blundell, the wicketkeeper, botched a stumping chance. Ajaz, though, found Gill’s outside edge next ball and had him nicking off to Ross Taylor at slip for 44 off 71 balls.

Patel — born in Mumbai before his parents moved to New Zealand in 1996 — in his next over, took an additional two wickets; a spell of three dismissals for no runs across just 15 balls - to make it 80-3.

From a comfortable position at 80-1 in 27.3 overs, India suddenly found itself reeling at 80-3 in 29.3 overs, with Patel dismissing Cheteshwar Pujara (0) and Virat Kohli (0) in quick succession. India were in a spot of bother —big time!

While Pujara’s poor form continued as Patel rattled his stumps, Kohli - who returned to action after a short break - too returned without opening his account, much to the disappointment of a few hundred spectators, who were present at the iconic stadium.

Agarwal, who has scored the vast majority of his test runs in India, batted beautifully and remained aggressive even when Patel was picking up wickets, facing 246 balls and striking four sixes and 14 fours to give the hosts the upper hand. Agarwal grew more fluent in the posttea session as he claimed 33 of the 45 runs India had scored in ten overs after the break.

With Kohli back in charge and Tom Latham skippering the visitors, it was just the second time in test history that four skippers had been used in a twomatch series – the only other occasion was in 1888-89, when South Africa hosted England.

After a late start in the morning where damp patches ensured there was no play possible in the opening session, India chose to bat first after making three changes.

Once Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul come back for the next series (if South Africa then away, if West Indies then home), Agarwal’s ton has added to a happy headache for coach Rahul Dravid.

‘Rahul bhai told me to make it big’

“When I was picked, Rahul bhai spoke to me. He asked me to control what is in my hands and said, ‘go out there and give it your best’,” Agarwal said at the end of the day’s play. “He had told me ‘When you get set, make it big’. I am happy to have capitalised on the start that I had. But that message was very clear from Rahul bhai, that I should make it count,” he added.

Have we seen the last of Rahane, Ishant?

Ajinkya Rahane and Ishant Sharma’s position in the Indian Test team had become untenable due to a prolonged run of poor form and more than anyone else, the two cricketers knew about it. However, on Friday, the BCCI and the team management found an “exit route” which was honourable for both the distinguished senior cricketers as everyone associated wanted to be subtle while taking a tough decision, at least for this Test. Before the opening day of the second Test, the BCCI officially announced that Rahane (minor left hamstring strain), Ishant (dislocated his left little finger) and, more importantly, Ravindra Jadeja (swollen right forearm) are out of the match due to various injuries.