Badani, Robin bat Tamil Nadu into position of strength

A mixture of insipid Mumbai bowling and inspired Tamil Nadu batting saw the visitors post a more than healthy 397/4 at the end of the first day of the Ranji Trophy semifinal at the Wankhede stadium on Tuesday. With both Robin Singh and Hemang Badani at the crease with big hundreds to their names, Tamil Nadu can look forward to putting the pressure on the Mumbai side tomorrow.

The wicket proved to have a bit of juice in it. The ball came nicely onto the bat off the bowling of both opening speedsters. There was no exaggerated lateral movement, but just enough nip to keep the batsmen on their toes.

Sreedharan Sriram's golden run with the bat came to a premature end after he had scored just two runs at the Wankhede Stadium. The southpaw came to this match with 1063 runs from seven innings behind him. Ajit Agakar, generating good pace, got the ball to fly past the outside more than once before he finally had his man. Swishing at a delivery just outside the off stump, Sriram nicked the ball through to stumper Dighe who held the catch with ease.

S Ramesh looked good for his 44 at the crease but was run out attempting one cheeky single too many. Ramesh was found short of his crease by a good pick up and throw from Amol Muzumdar in the infield. JR Madanagopal's streaky stay at the crease lasted just 12 balls. After edging one past the slips to pick up four, Madanagopal flashed hard at a ball from Saxena without moving his feet. All he managed to do was edge the ball to Dighe. Even Sridharan Sharath never looked convincing at the wicket. The fall of his wicket soon after the players returned from lunch did not come as a surprise. Hanging his bat loosely outside off stump, Sharath edged a Powar off spinner towards the slips. Diving low, Amol Muzumdar snatched the ball inches from the ground and sent Sharath on his way.

Tamil Nadu captain Robin Singh joined in form Hemang Badani out in the middle with the Tamil Nadu score on 149/4. Singh and Badani ran well, pushing the fielders. Converting ones to twos and snatching singles out of half chances, the two got the scoreboard ticking over at a healthy rate.

Singh and Badani proceeded to forge a partnership that put Tamil Nadu firmly in the driving seat. Mixing aggression with caution, Singh was at his best. Choosing the right ball to go after, Robin Singh proved to be an ideal partner for Badani.

The last session of play saw Tamil Nadu end what was a superb day by completely dominating the bowling. The seamers, tiring in the heat, grew less and less focussed. In turn, both Badani and Robin got going. Badani seemed to slow down a bit after he had made his century. However, having spent most of the day at the wicket, this was understandable.

Robin never flagged through the course of his innings. Whenever he makes runs, Robin underlines the value of simplifying one's game. Playing with a straight bat to anything pitched up, Robin used the crease superbly. The ball slipped down leg side on more than one occasion and was efficiently hit away to the fence. Whether he was nudging the ball around the corner or sending it sailing over the ropes, Robin looked in command.

At the end of the day, a very tired Badani had 152 to his name. Robin, not far behind, on 142, was happy with his side's performance. Tamil Nadu are in a good position to bat Mumbai out of the game tomorrow.