Mayank Agarwal became the first Indian opener, since 1947, to score a half-century on debut in Australia. The 50-run mark by an Indian batsman in a long time gave the visitors a sigh of relief after their troubles with different opening batters in recent years. It was Dattu Phadkar in 1947, who had made his debut Down Under and scored 51 runs in a Test match in Sydney. Catch India vs Australia, 3rd Test Match, Live Score Updates Here.

The 27-year-old right-handed player is now the second Indian opening batsman to score fifty after Dattu Phadkar achieved the feat. Not just in Australia, Mayank Agarwal's feat extends to other major Test nations, i.e. England, South Africa, and New Zealand.

Mayank looked rock solid in his defence, and his attacking shots gave an exquisite outlook. After playing out the first session patiently, the debutant crossed the 50-run mark in the second shot where he played his shots more comfortably. Hardik Pandya Clicks 'Best Selfie Ever' Ahead of Ind vs Aus Boxing Day Test at MCG.

Mayank hit a couple of fours on Nathan Lyon’s bowling to reach his maiden half-century. He had scored 38 runs till the lunchtime on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test.

Watch Mayank Agarwal Score Half Century on Debut in Australia:

Earlier, India had won the toss and elected to bat. After Murali Vijay and KL Rahul were axed from the side, Hanuma Vihari and Mayank Agarwal were tasked to don the openers’ hats in the crucial Third test. India's Playing XI Against Australia for 2018 Boxing Day Test: Mayank Agarwal to Debut, Ravindra Jadeja and Rohit Sharma Surprise Inclusions.

Vihari played a patient knock and saw off the first hour and a half comfortably. However, he could add only 8 runs on the scoreboard in his 66-ball stay. On the other hand, Mayank looked far more comfortable during his stay on the crease and played with finesse in his first Test match. Stay tuned with us for all the latest updates about India vs Australia Test Series 2018-19!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 26, 2018 09:35 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).