When off-spinner Vaishak Chandran bowled cleanly in a one-over defense against Karnataka opener R. Samarth, the omen was ominous for visitors. But skipper Mayank Agarwal’s stylish undefeated 87 took control of his side at the end of Wednesday’s second day of his Ranji Trophy against Kerala at the KCA-St.Xavier’s College ground.
Karnataka responded to Kerala’s first innings with 342 overall, recovering from an early defeat in the opening match, and at the stumps he scored 137 for two. Mayank looked comfortable against spinners and his pacer medium. He revived the innings with his Devdutt Padikkal (29) and added his 89 runs for his second wicket which took the initiative from Kerala. Mayank showed intent by attacking the spinner and lofting Vaisakh with a long on for 6. Mayank repeated shots against Jalaj his Saxena and Sijomon his Joseph.
Hard working MD Nidheesh broke through just after tea by breaking through Dev Padikkal’s defense. Nikin Jose struggled but worked with Agarwal to add an unbroken 46 runs for the third wicket.
Karnataka’s bowlers didn’t feel much momentum in the morning and evening. The pair of Sachin Baby and Jalaj made it through opening hour with little trouble. However Baby’s cautious innings ended when he beat Gopal in a cordon with Manish Pandey.
Jalaz made it through the first half-century of the season by drawing Shreyas Gopal to the border. Captain Shijomon (24) added 37 points to 8 ticket gates. V. Koushik knocked his Jalaj (57) out midway to secure his well-deserved fifth wicket. Final wicket pair Nidheesh (22) and Vaisakh (12 not out) added 25 runs to frustrate the visitors.