Sport - Cricket

Sreekumar (143) Rohan (96) lead Kerala’s fightback

Palakkad: Sreekumar Nair (143 not out, 386b, 16x4) and Rohan Prem (96 not out, 260b, 12x4) boosted host Kerala’s prospects for a first innings lead against Goa on the penultimate day of the Group ‘A’ Ranji Trophy Plate league clash at the Fort Maidan here on Wednesday.

At stumps, the host was 327 for three; the visitors had made 460. Sreekumar shared an unbeaten stand of 216 (527b) with Rohan for the fourth wicket scoring a timely century in the process. Earlier in the day, overnight batsman V.A. Jagadeesh (47, 7x4, 1x6) was trapped leg before by S. Bhandekar in just the third over of the day.

But, Sreekumar stayed calm and composed, but was not averse to throwing in a bit of aggression when it mattered, to post his fifth first class century. It took him almost six hours but it was worth an effort.

Sreekumar was pretty pleased with the century as it came in front of his home crowd. Incidentally, it was at this very venue that he had posted his career best score of 306 against Services last season. Rohan played his part as well. He never once wavered in concentration. He played the ball on merit, punishing only the loose deliveries that came his way, in his partnership with Sreekumar that turned the tables in Kerala’s favour.

The pitch, as expected, played a bit awkward, but the duo’s skilful batting frustrated the visitor the whole day through.

“I should give full credit to both Sree and Rohan. They stood together when we needed it the most,” said Sony Cheruvathur, Kerala skipper. “Sree treated us to dinner last night and it’s time for us to pay him back now.”

The visiting coach, Dodda Ganesh, applauded the home team for its effort. “Both Sreekumar and Rohan played very well. We planned hard but one must admit they played disciplined cricket. My bowlers bowled their hearts out but without much success,” he said.

The scores: Goa — 1st innings: 460

Kerala — 1st innings: R.V. Gomez lbw b Shinde 11, S. Anthony lbw b Shinde 7, V.A. Jagadeesh lbw b Bhandekar 47, Sreekumar Nair (batting) 143, Rohan Prem (batting) 96, Extras (b-7, lb-9, nb-7) 23; Total (for three wkts. in 132 overs) 327.

Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-19, 3-111.

Goa bowling: Bhandekar 22-6-51-1, Shinde 15-4-41-2, Jakiti 25-6-72-0, Ninan 41-13-81-0, Angle 21-4-47-0, Arun Kumar 1-0-4-0, Kamath 7-2-15-0.

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu