Aus vs Ind 2020: Mayank Agarwal is a confirmed starter – Sachin Tendulkar

Former Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar has stated that Mayank Agarwal is a confirmed starter in India’s playing XI in the Test series against Australia as he has consistently scored runs.

Agarwal had made his Test debut back in 2018-19 against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and he was able to impress from the get-go as he scored 76 and 42.

Agarwal also finished as India’s highest run-getter in 2019 in the Test matches as he scored 754 runs in eight Test matches. The right-hander has thus far scored 974 runs in 11 Test matches including three centuries at a fine average of 57.29. Thus, Agarwal has had a perfect start to his Test career.

Furthermore, the right-hander showed great form in the Indian Premier League while opening the innings for Kings XI Punjab. Agarwal scored 424 runs in 11 matches in IPL 2020 at an average of 38.54 and an impressive strike rate of 156.45.

Consequently, Agarwal will open the innings and it would be interesting to note who will open the innings with him. With Rohit Sharma ruled out of the first two Test matches, it can be a toss up between Shubman Gill and KL Rahul.

“Mayank, I know, is a confirmed starter because he has scored runs and if Rohit is fit and available, then he should be there. Between other guys [Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul], that will be the management’s decision as they would be knowing who’s the form man,” Sachin Tendulkar said in an interview with PTI.

On the other hand, the Master Blaster is confident that India will leave no stone unturned in preparing for the upcoming Test series. Tendulkar believes the visitors will have their work cut out against batsmen like Steve Smith, David Warner and Marnus Labuschange. The former Indian opener is hopeful that it will be a competitive series between the two powerhouses.

Sachin also added that the absence of Virat Kohli is a huge void but the Indian team have got the bench strength to fill in the big shoes of their skipper. The first Test match of the four-match series will be played at Adelaide Oval from December 17.