Overwhelmed, but had to keep focus says Mayank Agarwal

Melbourne, Dec 26 - A well-crafted 76 on a long-awaited debut made Mayank Agarwal's day and the batsman said he was overwhelmed but had to keep emotions in check in order to focus on the job.

"It was a tremendous feeling to get the India Test cap. I had a lot of emotions (running through mind) when I got the cap. I will cherish it for the rest of my life. The first thought was 295 (his India cap number)," Agarwal said after his impressive knock at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the ongoing third Test against Australia here.

Agarwal had scored tons of runs in first class cricket but had to wait in the wings for a long time before making the India debut.

"It wasn't easy to get hold of those emotions and focus there, but it needed to be done. I just stuck to my plans and just kept telling myself, there is a plan that I have to go through 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," Agarwal added.

Agarwal felt good that the seniors came up and egged him to leave a mark on his debut.

"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 became only the seventh Indian opener to score a half-century on Test debut and also registered the highest score for a debutant Indian batsman on Australian soil.

"I am happy but obviously I would have liked more (runs). I would definitely take 76 rather than take something less than that. That said I would have liked to go on, and score more runs and stay not out at the end of the day," Agarwal seemed content.

Agarwal said he never got bogged down as he was constantly playing matches domestic and A tours, which kept him in good stead.

"Well, I was very happy when I got picked against West Indies. It was a big moment for me. From then on, it wasn't in my hands. Deciding whether I am going to play or not, or getting picked or not is not in my hands," the opener said.

"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 give your best. Once you keep playing, you know those things don't keep coming to your mind because you are focusing on that game and trying to win that game for the side," Agarwal explained his mindset during the period.

"You do think about it (selection) but then you are professional and you tell yourself that's something you cannot control. So you move ahead, move on and see what's next for you, prepare for that and once you are in, give your best," he asserted.

Agarwal feels blessed that he made his debut at the MCG and also crossed every step towards international cricket with flying colours.

At stumps on Day 1, the tourists are comfortably placed at 215/2 with Cheteshwar Pujara (68 batting) and skipper Virat Kohli (47 batting) at the crease.

IANS