He last played a Test for India against Sri Lanka in March 2022.
India Test opener Mayank Agarwal smashed a scintillating hundred for Yorkshire on his first appearance at Headingley. His knock helped Yorkshire to avoid the County Championship elimination.
Durham put up 346 in the first innings, with a century by Ben Raine. In reply, Yorkshire lost opener Finlay Bean in the seventh over of the innings, with Raine providing an early blood. Coming out to bat at 3, Mayank took his time, got his eye in, showcasing a calculated approach in his foot movements, as he didn’t commit to the ball. He displayed impeccable discipline and temperament to forge a 127-run stand with Adam Lyth, both crossing the fifty-run mark. The Indian batter reached his maiden County Championship fifty with a lofted drive down the ground against Shafiquallah Ghafari on the 81st ball of his innings.
The 34-year-old carried the momentum and continued to play his shots till he reached three figures. He brought up his century with a six off against the same bowler, Ghafari. The hundred marked his 19th First-Class ton. Yorkshire further suffered a couple of blows in the back-to-back overs as they lost James Wharton (seven) and Jonny Bairstow (golden duck). Despite wickets falling from the other end, the right-hand batter continued to anchor the innings, notching up 150 in the evening session and putting his side in a strong position.
However, the Karnataka batter fell short of his well-deserved double hundred by just 25 runs. Mayank Agarwal scored 175 off just 195 balls with 20 fours and five sixes. His runs came at an impressive strike rate of 89.7. His stay on the crease came to an end when the Afghan leggie forced him to play a false shot and give Graham Clark a simple catch.
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Yorkshire are currently taking on Durham in the final round of the County Championship. Both clubs are seeking to secure Division One promotion next year. Yorkshire are a better placed side. A defeat here will put both teams in danger zone, while a win would help them to remain in contention.
Talking about Mayank’s international career, he has played 21 Tests and five ODIs for India, with his last appearance coming in a Test against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru in March 2022.
After his show in Leeds, he’d be hopeful to hear from the Indian selectors ahead of the West Indies home series.
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