Every Test match is important because of the WTC points: Mayank Agarwal

Mayank Agarwal feels that every Test match has become important because of the involvement of World Test Championship (WTC) points. In the current 2021-23 WTC cycle, India are ranked fifth in the table with 49.07 percentage while collecting 53 points. Agarwal will be a part of the 18-member squad which will face Sri Lanka in the Tests at Mohali (March 4-8) and Bengaluru (March 12-16).

"I am very excited to be part of the squad and part of the Indian Test team. I am really looking forward to contributing to the team's success. Every Test series is of utmost importance because of the World Test Championship.

Each Test carries points. The collective thinking of our team is to pick up a win in every match that we play and try to get the maximum points we can from all the Test matches," said Agarwal in a release. Though Agarwal has been an opener for the majority of his 19-match Test career, he isn't shy of batting in the lower-order if the team requires him to do so.

"The role of an opener is key in Test cricket because, in a five-day game, it is the openers who set up the day for the batters to follow. It's something that I have done all my life. I really enjoy doing that.

With that being said, I don't just always want to open the batting. I am also comfortable batting at any position the team wants me to bat, at any given situation." Agarwal, 31, is aware of the challenge coming from Sri Lanka bowling attack and is firmly focused on giving India a good start at the top. "In India, as an opening batsman, you still have to be very good in facing the spin.

Personally, it does not faze me if you open the bowling with spin or pace. We have grown up playing spin all our lives. Personally, my mindset would not change much." "I