Kolkata: The Ranji Trophy match between Bengal and Kerala finally got underway at Jadavpur University’s Salt Lake campus here on Sunday, although only 15 overs were possible on the second day. No play was possible on the first day due to wet outfield. With Bengal skipper Anustup Majumdar electing to field after winning the much-delayed toss, the going was always going to be tough for the batters, given that the pitch had been under covers for a substantial period of time.
The situation was also ideal for Bengal pacer Ishan Porel to make a mark. Making a comeback after recovering from an injury, Porel used the conditions well to grab three wickets and reduce Kerala to 51 for four by stumps Day 2. Left-arm orthodox spinner Pradipta Pramanik picked up the other wicket.
Although Kerala openers got off to a steady start, with Rohan Kunnummal leading the way with some attacking shots, things soon got tough for them. Kunnummal scored 23 of the 33-run opening wicket partnership with Vathsal Govind before becoming the day’s first casualty. Porel trapped him leg-before and immediately with the next ball, sent back the dangerous Baba Aparajith, caught by Wriddhiman Saha behind the stumps. Kerala, currently placed second in Group C, suddenly found themselves on the back foot.
More misery was to follow for the visitors, with Aditya Sarwate falling prey to Pramanik with the team score on 38. With Govind losing his wicket to Porel at the same score after a laboured five, Kerala were looking down the barrel. Although skipper Sachin Baby and Akshay Chandran ensured there were no hiccups, Kerala have an uphill task when they step out again on Monday.
“Good to get four wickets after the start. Hope we can capitalize on this tomorrow,” Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla said. “It is good to see the bowlers with positive mindset and application.”
Avilin Ghosh and Shuvam Dey made their debut for Bengal.
Brief scores:
Kerala 51/4 (R Kunnummal 23; I Porel 3/18) vs Bengal.