The Indian opener, Mayank Agarwal said getting big score when in form is key after scoring another double century which guided the hosts to a giant first-innings lead over Bangladesh in the first Test on Friday of the two-match series. He now has score three tons including two double hundreds in his last five Test innings and in his second double century smashed eight sixes and 28 fours in his 243.

Agarwal surpassed the 200-run mark with a six off Mehidy Hasan and continued his big-hitting until he was finally caught at deep mid-wicket by Abu Jayed off Mehidy. He left to another standing ovation. India were 493 for six at stumps in response to Bangladesh’s 150 all out on Thursday. They lead by 343 runs with Ravindra Jadeja, on 60, and Umesh Yadav, on 25, at the crease.

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Talking to the reporters after day 3, Agarwal said, “I must respect that I am batting well and when I am doing that, I need to make sure I make it big. Put the team in the driver’s seat from where we cannot lose becomes key. Knowing that you are batting well and you have got 100, it’s on you to take the team ahead.”

Along with Ajinkya Rahane, Agarwal went on to add 190 runs for the 4th wicket. While, Rahane became paceman Abu’s fourth victim of the innings, but Agarwal relentlessly hit the bowlers to the boundary after completing his second double century in his eighth Test appearance since making his debut last year in Melbourne. His previous best was 215 in the first Test against South Africa last month. 

Agarwal, after surviving a dropped catch on day one, successfully reviewed an lbw call after being given out in the opening session when on 82. India’s pace bowlers, led by Mohammed Shami who took three wickets, dealt with Bangladesh on the opening day of the two-match series after the tourists won the toss but chose to bat first on a green wicket.

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Coach Russell Domingo said Bangladesh, playing their first Test since the suspension of captain Shakib Al Hasan, need “structural changes” to their set-up to make them serious contenders in Test cricket.

Talking about the same, Domingo said, “Bangladesh’s Test record isn’t good. It has been happening for a long time. If we want to become a serious Test team, we need to make structural changes in the team to ensure performance at home and away. “I need to discuss these things with the selectors and captain, and plan a way forward.”