Date:23/04/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/04/23/stories/2003042305971900.htm

Sport - Cricket

Arothe on verge of a unique century

Vadodara April 22 . Veteran Vadodara all-rounder Tushar Arothe is set to achieve a rare distinction of playing his 100th Ranji Trophy match as his side prepares for the crucial semifinal against Mumbai at the GSFC ground here from April 25.

The 34-year-old off-spinner, who made his debut in the Ranji Trophy in 1985-86 playing for Vadodara against Maharashtra, will be the first in Gujarat and the 11th Indian cricketer to play 100 matches in Ranji Trophy.

Arothe had proved his prowess both in batting and bowling having scored 5575 runs and taken 198 wickets with averages of 39.54 and 28.25 respectively from the 99 matches (152 innings) he had played so far in this premier cricket championship.

While his 171 against Hyderabad in 1992-93 is his highest score, his 6-wicket haul for 57 runs against Gujarat in 1985-86 is his best bowling performance. His knocks included 13 centuries and 29 fifties, according to veteran statistician Dinar Gupte.

During the current Ranji season, the senior most player of the Vadodara team has already claimed 15 wickets for 241 runs and scored 421 runs, including one century (150) and two half-centuries (66 and 64) from six matches.

The ten other leading Indian cricketers, who have achieved this rare feat are Rajendra Goel (122 matches), Ashok Malhotra (112), Amarjit Kaypee (108), S. Madanlal (106), S.M.H. Kirmani (105), Brijesh Patel (104), Sankar Talwar (103), C.S. Pandit (102) and Kanwaljit Singh (101 matches).

UNI