Agarwal became the seventh Indian opener to score a fifty in his debut Test.
India's batsman Mayank Agarwal walks back. (Photo: AFP)
Australian commentator Kerry O’Keefe has apologized after making a derisive remark about Mayank Agarwal on Wednesday, the opening day of the third Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
On Wednesday, when Agarwal acknowledged the MCG crowd’s ovation after he scored a fifty on Test debut, O’Keefe made the remark about Mayank Agarwal scoring a “triple century against canteen staff,” while commentating for Australia’s host broadcasters. Moments after his remark, O’Keefe was heavily criticised by cricket fans on different social networking sites.
“Apparently, he (Mayank Agarwal) got a triple (ton) against the railways’ canteen staff,” O’Keefe was quoted as saying on-air.
Advertisement
Earlier in 2017, Agarwal had scored a triple century (304*) against Maharashtra while playing for Karnataka at the Maharashtra Cricket Association stadium in Pune.
After facing the backlash, O’Keefe, while apologising for his snide remark said. “I was mentioning the runs Agarwal got in first-class cricket in India and there’s been a reaction.
“There was no way I was demeaning the standard, it was tongue in cheek. There are lots of runs scored so apologies if anyone out there took offence,” O’Keefe was quoted as saying by news.com.au.
Meanwhile, Agarwal became the seventh Indian opener to score a fifty in his debut Test.
Speaking to media at the end of Day 1 Agarwal said, “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.”
Advertisement
