All hail Agar-Wall: Mayank’s ton lights up Wankhede, fans ecstatic

Mayank Agarwal brought up his fourth Test century as he remained unbeaten at 120 off 246 balls at stumps on Day 1 of the second Test between India and New Zealand in Mumbai. The batsman’s animated celebration – jump, punch in the air and some yelling – was a reflection of how strongly he wanted to breach the three-figure mark and social media users loved it. 

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Agarwal leaned and caressed an overpitched delivery outside off through extra cover to reach his century off 196 balls. His knock came when India lost a flurry of wickets after an 80-run opening stand. Virat Kohli and company were 80/3 when the skipper departed and finished the day at 221/4.

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On Day 1, the Wankhede pitch favoured the spinners. Some deliveries seemed unplayable. However, Agarwal, determined, embraced the challenge to play a top-knock. 

His century is expected to give Rahul Dravid and the management a good head ache, especially when regular openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul return to the team. 

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In the first Test match at Green Park, Kanpur, Agarwal had recorded 13 and 17 runs in the two innings. Many expected that he would be making way for Virat Kohli as the skipper returned for the second match. However, India dropped Ajinkya Rahane, who has an hamstring injury, going with Agarwal as the opener. 

Here are some reactions: 

The Punjab Kings batsman will now want to continue batting on Day 2 and reach a double ton. Two of his previous three centuries have been converted into a 200+ score.