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Xtra Time Web Desk : Team India Test opener Mayank Agarwal got finally rewarded for his stellar performances over the last month or so as the 30 year old on Saturday got nominated for the ICC Player of the month award alongside Kiwi spinner Ajaz Patel and Aussie pacer Mitchell Starc.

The Punjab Kings batter got his opportunity to play alongside Shubman Gill in the New Zealand Test Series at home, after KL Rahul got injured right before the first Test. The opener made his come back after in Test cricket after a long time and lean patch through which he went for the last year or so to grab the opportunity with both hands against New Zealand and South Africa.

In two matches, he scored 276 runs at an average of 69.00, which included two fifties and a century. Agarwal was the architect of the win in Mumbai against New Zealand with a Player of the Match-winning performance of 150 and 62 in the two innings.He also played a crucial role in India breaking the Centurion hoodoo for the very first time. Batting first in overcast conditions, KL Rahul and Agarwal set the platform with a brilliant opening partnership of 117. During the stand, he was tested by the fiery Proteas pace attack but came out shining with a brilliant 60.

India posted 327 in the first innings, which eventually proved to be the difference between the two sides. India-born kiwi spinner Ajaz Patel's name was immortalised in cricketing history in December, when he picked up 10 wickets in an innings against India, becoming the third player in Tests to achieve the feat after Jim Laker and Anil Kumble.

Starc also had standout performances both with the bat and ball in hand as Australia retained the Ashes with two games to spare.