While Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli got out without troubling the scorers, Indian opener Mayank Agarwal ended the drought of centuries with his fourth Test ton. Rescuing India from a tough situation in the first session, Agarwal breached the three figures in the 59th over of the first innings. It was his first century since November 14, 2019.
Agarwal led the counter-attack after quick strikes from left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel. He shared a 80-run stand with Shubman Gill but within three overs India were reduced to 80/3 without adding a run to the score. He did damage control with Shreyas Iyer and scored the bulk of runs in the 80-run fourth-wicket partnership. Later in the last session, he was accompanied by wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha who remained unbeaten in the second innings of Kanpur Test despite struggling with stiffness in his neck.
Disappointing return and timely return of form
Getting his career off to a great start with four Test centuries within a year, Agarwal’s form dipped as he scored just one half-century during this period. After a disappointing New Zealand tour, Agarwal was pushed down the order towards the end of Australia tour. Eventually, he was dropped from the home series against England followed by tour of England earlier this year.
This is the Karnataka batter’s fourth ton at home. His previous ton was a double century against Bangladesh in Indore. He was instrumental against South Africa as well with two centuries in the series including a double ton.
The century against New Zealand has come at a good time for the 30-year-old. Ahead of long tour of South Africa, Agarwal can go as a backup opener even if KL Rahul regains fitness in time. In the last 10 innings, he had scored just 118 runs and was due for a big one.
