Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWPix.com. Mayank Agarwal celebrates his century today.
“It’s probably not the day we were hoping for, but sometimes you come across some great innings,” said Durham all-rounder Ben Raine after day two at Headingley. “Agarwal’s innings today was a fantastic knock.”
Raine had completed a fine century of his own this morning, 101 off 105 balls, to help Durham to 346 all out in their first innings.
But his efforts were surpassed by Yorkshire’s short-term Indian recruit Agarwal, a 26-time India international, who amassed a brilliant 175 off 195 balls with 20 fours and five sixes.
He helped the White Rose to a close of play 314-5 in their first innings. And, with survival in the Division One now within sight, we could be looking back in a couple of days time at this knock as the crucial intervention.
That he did it having taken a blow to his left arm early in his innings made it all the more impressive.
“I’m really, really happy to have contributed to the team. I think we had a great day today,” said Agarwal, on home debut having played in the draws at Taunton and Hove recently without reward.
“We started off well with the ball, and then we put ourselves in a good position with the 314-5.
“If we can follow it up tomorrow, then we’re really putting ourselves in a great position.
“Jack’s (White) put in the hard yards in the three games that I’ve been part of, and also I’ve heard that he’s really put in a big shift through the season. I’m happy for him to get his first five-for (for Yorkshire).
“Very honestly, my innings didn’t start smoothly.
“I thought they bowled well with the new ball. They were very disciplined. We didn’t get many loose balls. They were at us, and credit to them for that.
“Then it was just about giving them their dues, looking to watch out their spells and then see if we could dominate. I thought my partnership with Adam (Lyth) was crucial. We just fed off each other’s energy, fed off each other’s confidence. Once we did that, we put ourselves in a good position.”
And on his time at Yorkshire, he added: “It’s been absolutely fantastic. The boys have been great and Yorkshire as a club has been very, very welcoming.
“Even before I came, just the way they communicated and the time since I’ve arrived here, I’ve absolutely loved it.
“It’s felt like home, very honestly.”
