Goa claim day's honours despite fighting knocks by Sriram, Kumaran

The lung opener for Ranji Trophy semifinalists Tamil Nadu was an away fixture at Goa. Leading from the front, captain Sridharan Sriram made 71 at the top of the innings after winning the toss and electing to bat. His innings, propped up by a late in the innings recovery saw Tamil Nadu make a modest 204 all out on the opening day of the South Zone fixture. Tamil Nadu sorely missed the services of the injured Robin Singh and Hemang Badani.

Indian Test opener Sadagoppan Ramesh was the first to go, bowled by N Kambli. A string of failures in the middle order, S Badrinath (1), Sridharan Sharath (0), Vasant Saravanan (6) and Rajat Bhatia (12) reduced Tamil Nadu to 36/5. Fortunately for the visiting side, wicketkeeper Reuben Paul who narrowly missed out on national honours played a characteristically belligerent knock. His 37 runs included 5 boundaries and 2 hits that sailed over the ropes. However, even his breezy knock was not to last long. After facing 45 balls for his innings he returned to the pavilion caught at covers by Khalid off the bowling of Khalekar.

At 104/6, Tamil Nadu were in deep trouble. Mediumpacer and hardhitting batsman Sadagoppan Mahesh managed 13 while former Test cricketer Aashish Kapoor made 6 runs. At 135/8 there was almost no way Tamil Nadu could avoid humiliation. But mediumpacer Thirunavukarasu Kumaran emerged an unlikely hero, batting well with Sriram. Watching the ruins patiently at one end was the captain. The two forged a crucial 55 run ninth wicket partnership. Kumaran, known more for his ability with the ball, made a patient unbeaten 47 (86 balls, 6 fours) even as Tamil Nadu neared the 200 mark. Sriram departed at 190, being stumped off Kalekar. Leg spinner WD Balaji Rao made just 2 before becoming Neetin Khalekar's scalp. Returning the figures of 5/39 off 13 overs, Kalekar was easily the best bowler on the day.

Fresh from his stint with the bat, Kumaran made short work of opener Bhagwat. This brought Satyajit Medappa to the crease. Having been dropped by Tamil Nadu for this season, the middle order bat would have a point or two to prove to the selectors. Medappa had helped himself to a patient unbeaten 14 (77 balls, 2 fours) when stumps was called. At 44/1 Goa's innings is still in its infancy. However, it has to be said that Tamil Nadu will have to bowl exceptionally well to take a first innings lead. Still to come for Goa are Tamil Nadu reject Tanveer Jabbar and former India bat Pravin Amre.