Keen tussle for first innings lead likely

An unbroken third wicket partnership of 61 runs off 17.3 overs between S Badrinath and Dinesh Mongia has given Jolly Rovers more than a ray of hope in their Buchi Babu all India invitation tournament pre quarterfinal against Kerala Cricket Association XI at the IIT-Chemplast ground in Chennai. At stumps on the second day on Monday, Jolly Rovers were 95 for two in reply to KCA's first innings total of 299.

Because of overnight rain which rendered the playing conditions unfit, play started only at 2 pm. The Kerala tail did not wag for long and about the only defiance was shown by skipper KN Ananthapadmanabhan who was last out for 48. Ganesh Kumar, who took two of the three wickets to fall on Monday (Kerala resumed at 275 for seven) finished the most successful bowler with four for 64.

When Jolly Rovers batted, experienced campaigner Sunil Oasis removed both openers J Joseph (20) and skipper Sujith Somasundar (10) with only 34 runs on the board. But Badrinath and Mongia weathered the storm and came through unbeaten at stumps. By close, the watchful Badrinath had faced 83 balls for his 28 and had hit only one boundary but the more enterprising Mongia hit three fours while facing 55 balls for his 32. The stage is set for a keen tussle for the vital first innings lead on Tuesday.