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It's Somasunder and Kudua's day out

KOCHI NOV. 28. Apart from offering new life to the Kerala team, the entry of the professional batsmen has clearly forced the homeboys to polish up their act.

On Thursday, in the Ranji Trophy Plate Group league match against Tripura, guest star Sujith Somasunder slammed his maiden double century (222, 434 balls, 25x4, 2x6) while the stylish local lad Ajay Kudua, who had not tasted big scores for some time, broke free with a scintillating century (130, 210 balls, 14x4, 2x6).

And at the end of the second day, host Kerala made 457 in its first innings, one of its best totals in the Ranji Trophy. For a side, which has rarely reached the 300-run zone in the last three seasons, it was good progress, indeed. In reply, Tripura was 59 for one at close.

There were plenty of fireworks this morning with Sujith Somasunder and Ajay Kudua hammering the bowlers. The two also came up with a fifth-wicket stand worth 168 runs.

Sujith's 222 was the second highest score by a Kerala player in the Ranji Trophy, the best being Balan Pandit's 262 against Andhra in 1959 at Palakkad. Sujith, an officer with Chemplast, made his exit shortly after lunch, attempting a big hit he offered a simple catch to Rasudeb Dutta at deep midwicket, off Joyanta Debnath.

Ajay Kudua, who hit his fourth Ranji century, was the last man to depart, caught by Joyanta at gully off Sourav Dasgupta. Off-spinner Joyanta Debnathv (six for 101) had the best haul.

The scores: Kerala 457 all out in 151.3 overs (Sujith Somasunder 222, Sunil Oasis 42, Ajay Kudua 130, Joyanta Debnath six for 101) vs Tripura 60 for one in 29 overs (Ritesh Jaiswal (batting) 26). — Our Sports Reporter

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