‘I am not allowed to give my opinion’ – Mayank Agarwal skips to answer question over surprising DRS decision
Mayank Agarwal. (Photo by CHRISTIAAN KOTZE/AFP via Getty Images)
India opening batter Mayank Agarwal continued his good form against South Africa in the ongoing first Test in Centurion. The right-hand looked compact and decent in the middle and saw off the new ball pair of Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi. He also managed to get to 50 in the post-lunch session, and looked set to post a big score. However, in a debatable DRS call, he was adjudged LBW off the bowling of Ngidi.
The on-field umpire had initially ruled the verdict in favor of Agarwal. South African skipper Dean Elgar challenged the decision, and eventually, it was overturned. The TV replays confirmed that the ball was just knocking the bails. The Indian opener had to depart for a well-made 60. His dismissal yet again triggered a debate on social media among fans, who felt the ball was missing leg stumps.
Agarwal was quizzed about the same after the end of the first day’s play. He refused to answer the question and managed to give a witty answer in response. “I am not allowed to give my opinion and so I want to leave it at that. Otherwise, I will be in bad books and my money (match fee) could be docked.”
Meanwhile, the opener was instrumental in India finishing the day in a good position. Along with Kl Rahul, the pair became just the third Indian opening pair to add a 100-run stand in South Africa. Agarwal returned to the Test team in the second and last series against New Zealand. He cashed in on the opportunity and scored 150 and 62.
Against South Africa also he displayed patience and flair and looked solid for his 60. Meanwhile, India finished day one on 272 for three. Rahul scored a memorable hundred and is unbeaten on 122. He will resume his innings on day two along with Ajinkya Rahane, who is undefeated on 40.
