Date:18/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/18/stories/2007121856491800.htm

Sport

Badrinath, Vijay score centuries

Special Correspondent

Badrinath was dropped when he was on 31
Abhinav Mukund lost his wicket early

— Photo: K. Pichumani

WATCHFUL INNINGS: M. Vijay’s patient century put Tamil Nadu in a strong position at the end of the first day of the match against Rajasthan.

Chennai: S. Badrinath dominated and M. Vijay dropped anchor. The ploy worked and the second wicket pair laid a platform for a possible Tamil Nadu victory.

Badrinath continues to make big runs; disappointments do not diminish his hunger. For the second season running, Vijay is firm and focussed; this suggests the opener is here to stay.

The host ended day one of its crucial Ranji Trophy Super League match against Rajasthan at an imposing 302 for three. Skipper Badrinath notched up 138 (181b, 16x4, 2x6) and Vijay remained unbeaten on 112 (240b, 10x4, 2x6).

It was a good toss for Tamil Nadu to win on a dry pitch that could offer increasing assistance for the spinners on the last two days.

There was some purchase for the spinners on the first day but the Rajasthan bowlers did not hit the right areas. The fielding was shoddy as well.

Consecutive centuries

Badrinath was not complaining. He has grown in confidence and it shows.

He now plays a lot more shots, innovates more.

The Tamil Nadu captain had a slice of luck on 31 when he was put down at short-leg by Abhijit Sharma of off-spinner Shamsher Singh and made Rajasthan pay.

His first 50 arrived in 62 balls and the second in 73 deliveries. He drove through covers, brought his wrists into play while stroking through mid-wicket. He also collected runs with deft placements, fine on occasions, and the judiciously lofted drives. Badrinath now has Ranji hundreds in successive games.

Vijay looks good in defence and this is a healthy sign in an opener. He creates time for himself with deft footwork and can ease into his drives.

The opener with a sound temperament already has a double century this season against Sourashtra.

The in-form Abhinav Mukund left early, nicking one down leg-side. Then Vijay and Badrinath added 234 in 367 balls. Rajasthan missed pace spearhead Pankaj Singh.

Careless shot

Badrinath lost his wicket in a moment of carelessness and K. Shree Vasudeva Das was prised out by a delivery that bounced more than expected from paceman Sumit Mathur. R. Srinivasan, who joined Vijay, looked solid.

The Rajasthan pace attack lacked sting. Young left-arm spinner Gajendra Singh should bowl from closer to the stumps. Off-spinner Shansher Singh has promise but needs consistency.

Inclement weather that cut into the last session remains a cause for concern for the host.

The scores:

Tamil Nadu — 1st innings: Abhinav Mukund c Jhalani b Nisan 7, M. Vijay (batting) 112, S. Badrinath c Jhalani b Mathur 138, K. Shree Vasudeva Das c Jhalani b Mathur 1, R. Srinivasan (batting) 25, Extras (b-4, lb-6, nb-8, w-1): 19; Total (for three wkts. in 81.4 overs): 302.

Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-242, 3-244.

Rajasthan bowling: Mathur 18-1-63-2, Nisan 11-0-45-1, Shamsher 25-3-97-0, Bishnoi 2-0-15-0, Gajendra 18.4-3-48-0, N. Gehlot 7-1-24-0.