Ranji Trophy: Sachin Baby, Jagadeesh help Kerala consolidate position

Captain Sachin Baby and V.A. Jagadeesh slam centuries to help Kerala score 495/6 decl. in its first innings.

Kerala's V.A. Jagadeesh was in fine form on Friday, scoring an unbeaten 113 to pile misery on Hyderabad.

Sachin Baby led from the front and V. A. Jagadeesh joined his captain in scoring big as it turned out to be yet another good day for Kerala against Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy Elite Pool B match at the St. Xavier’s cricket stadium, Thumba, on Friday. The action on the second day of the four-day encounter witnessed a far superior quality of cricket when compared to Thursday as both Baby and Jagadeesh slammed centuries to help their side pile up a massive first innings total of 495 for six before an abrupt closure was effected due to rain and bad light. Hyderabad faced just one over and was one for no loss.

Ranji Trophy, Day 2: As it Happened

Resuming at the overnight total of 231 for tour, Baby and Jagadeesh was in full command straightaway against the rival bowling which yet again failed to measure up to the challenge. While the left-handed Kerala skipper was dashing, being bold with his stroke play, Jagadeesh proved to be an excellent foil as he rotated the strike at every available opportunity to keep the scoreboard moving.

Baby was able to get to the three-figure mark prior to lunch and was still going strong before he shuffled across to Saketh Sairam and was adjudged leg before. He was involved in a highly profitable 182-run partnership for the fifth wicket through his 298-ball essay and a personal score of 147 which was laced with 10 fours and three sixes.

Salman Nizar seemed to be in a hurry before he was caught behind, again off Saketh Sairam, but Akshay Chandran was at ease as he provided Jagadeesh with great support to take the Kerala score higher and higher. The two were involved in an unbroken 91-run stand which helped Jagadeesh get to a memorable century. He remained unconquered at 113 (227 deliveries, six fours and a six). Akshay contributed an unbeaten 48 (87 balls, 5 fours).  

The scores: Kerala 1st innings 495/6 decl ( Jalaj Saxena 57, Sanju Samson 53; Sachin Baby 147, V. A. Jagadeesh 113 not out;  Mehdi Hasan 2-135, Saketh Sairam 3-110) vs Hyderabad 1 for no loss.