'It wasn't easy' – Mayank Agarwal reflects on debut knock

The 27-year-old, who helped solve the visitors' opening woes with his splendid effort, became the 295th cricketer to represent India in Test cricket.

"It was a tremendous feeling to get the India Test cap," said Agarwal after the day's play on Wednesday, 26 December. "I had a lot of emotions when I got the cap. I will cherish it for the rest of my life. The first thought was 295.

"It's a big stage, and a big opportunity, and I had the seniors walk up to me, telling that bigger the day, bigger the opportunity to leave a mark," said Agarwal.

Agarwal, who has amassed over 9,500 runs in domestic cricket over the past decade, had to wait for his turn with the national team. He was drafted into the squad for India's home series against the Windies earlier this year, but saw Prithvi Shaw get a nod ahead of him in the XI.

"Well, I was very happy when I got picked against West Indies. It was a big moment for me," conceded Agarwal. "From then on, it's not in my hand. Deciding whether I am going to play or getting picked is not in my hand. But the good thing was that there was a lot of domestic cricket, and a lot of India A games.

"So, you make sure you go out there and play to our best. Once you keep playing a lot of matches, those thoughts don't keep coming to your mind because you are focusing n that game and trying to win that game for the side. You are a professional and you move ahead, move on and see what's next for you, prepare for that and once you are in, give your best."

The right-hander made his international debut at the iconic MCG in front of over 73,000 spectators.

When asked how he dealt with his emotions on the big day, he said, "It wasn't easy, I can tell you that. It wasn't easy to get hold of the emotions and focus there but it was needed to be done.

"I just stuck to the plan and just kept telling myself, 'There is a plan that I have go with, and I am just going to stick to that.' Even though it was overwhelming, it was good and I am happy with the way I started. I am very lucky that I debuted at the MCG.

"Every player has to go through getting runs in Ranji Trophy and doing what he has to do. I did that and I'm very happy about that. It taught me a lot. When you play Ranji Trophy for five years in different parts of India, it helps you learn."

India rejigged their opening combination completely for the Test, bringing in Agarwal and promoting Hanuma Vihari up the order to replace the duo of KL Rahul and Murali Vijay.

"Hanuma Vihari is a good player. He has got tons and tons of runs in Ranji Trophy. He has got runs in 'A' cricket and he got a triple hundred at No. 3. So, I don't think it was too hard for him," said Agarwal in praise of his opening partner.

"He adjusted very well. We started off very well. Though we might not have got a big score, but we did manage to play a lot of balls, which was good," he said, about the opening partnership.