Girilal takes Kerala to brink of lead

Kerala were on the brink of capturing the first innings lead against Andhra in their South Zone Ranji Trophy league tie at Vijayawada today. A fine half century by opener Varun Girilal was the engine that drove Kerala to a stumps score of 239/5, five runs behind Andhra's tally of 244.

Resuming in the morning at 243/8, the Andhra tail survived just nine balls before succumbing. National Cricket Academy trainee Tinu Yohanan knocked over the last two men in successive balls to return innings pickings of 5/78. In Kerala's reply, Girilal produced 84 (218 balls, 10 fours) off his own blade before being fourth out at 171.

Ajay Kudua (45 not out) and B Ramprakash (38) then produced a 69 run association for the fifth wicket before the latter fell to the last ball of the day, from seamer N Madhukar. Off spinner Hemal Watekar was by far Andhra's best bowler with a not unimpressive analysis of 3/60.