Post News Network
Cuttack, Feb 7: Simply suicidal – that is the only way Orissa’s preparation for their last Group B Ranji Trophy tie against Saurashtra can be termed. Otherwise, why would a side needing only one point to avoid relegation prepare a green top at the Barabati Stadium keeping in mind the poor show of the batsmen in the current season?
The result was there for everyone to see on the second day of the tie Saturday. In reply to Saurashtra’s first innings score of 218, the hosts were bundled out for a paltry 88 runs in 40.5 overs conceding a first innings lead of 130 runs to the visitors. And even though Orissa hit back in the second innings to have Saurashtra reeling at 64 for six (an overall lead of 194 runs), it is very doubtful whether their batsmen will able to do the needful to avoid relegation. A target of over 200 on a double-paced wicket with uneven bounce will not only be very difficult, but absolutely impossible to chase.
When the game started, Orissa were on 14 points and Saurashtra were on 10. Under this circumstance, a draw would have been sufficient enough to save Orissa from relegation. Instead a green top was prepared and Orissa have cut the same branch on which they were sitting. Saurashtra look sure of earning a minimum of six points through an outright win which will take them to 16 points. Questions need to be asked as to whose brainstorm led to a pitch that is a paradise for the bowlers.
Sudeep Tyagi (5/24) and Jaydev Unadkat (3/33) wreaked havoc among the Orissa rank and file. Except for Paresh Patel (27, 89b, 4×4) none of the others showed the inclination to stay of the middle. In fact the scores of the Orissa batters resembled a cell phone number. Biplab Samantray (2), Abhilash Mallick (4), Anurag Sarangi (5), Govind Poddar (2), Deepak Behera (2), Subhrajit Sahoo (1) and Natraj Behera (19) all fell against seaming and bouncing delivery.
The Saurashtra batters also did not fare very well in the second innings as Basant Mohanty (2/12) and Deepak Behera (3/9) bowled very well. But with a cushion of 130 runs, Saurashtra will definitely now breathe easy. They know that with the pitch aiding the bowlers, victory is now a mere formality.
Cheteshwar Pujara, however, did not bat for the visitors. He suffered an injury on his hand while fielding in the slips which required a few stitches. He has been ruled out of the match even though the team management stated that he may bat if absolutely necessary.
Brief scores: Saurashtra 218 and 64 for six (Deepak Behera 3/9); Orissa 88 (Sudeep Tyagi 5/19, Jaydev Unadkat 3/33). Match to continue.
