JAIPUR: After a deplorable start, it was the middle-order that came to Rajasthan's rescue on day one of the Elite Group E match of the 2021-22 Ranji Trophy against Andhra in Trivandrum on Thursday. After electing to field first, Ashok Menaria & Co were bowled at 275 as Andhra's left-arm pacer CV Stephen claimed a five-wicket haul.
Experienced Rajesh Bishnoi (sr) was their highest scorer with 54 runs. The right-hand batter feels that there are enough runs on the board given the nature of the wicket. "If we look at the past records here, I think our first innings total is decent enough. So, 25-30 runs plus or minus do not make much of a difference. Hopefully, we will be able to put Andhra under pressure," said Rajesh after the day's play.
Rajasthan were 39/2 after 12 overs. After openers Menendra Singh (14 off 34 balls) and Yash Kothari (4 off 5 balls) were sent packing, Mahipal Lomror (32 off 67 balls), Aditya Garhwal (49 off 57 balls), Menaria (40 off 44 balls), Bishnoi (54 off 42 balls) and Anirudh Chouhan (39 off 44 balls) ensured the team could reach a respectable total.
When the stumps were called, Andhra were 75/2. Left-arm seamer Aniket Choudhary removed opener Chengalpet Rajan Gnaneshwar in his first spell and then later towards the close of the play, he scalped his second wicket of Karan Shinde.
Bishnoi feels later on the second day, the wicket will assist the spinners and he backed Shubham Sharma and Manav Suthar to do the job for Rajasthan. "Shubham is doing well in the domestic circuit from the last two years. And Manav has played India Under-19 and has also performed in the age-group cricket. So we are confident about them. Our spin department is not the same as it was three years back. Now we have good spinners who can take wickets and restrict the flow of runs," added Bishnoi.
Brief score:
Rajasthan: 275 all out in 59.2 overs (R Bishnoi 54, A Garhwal 49, A Menaria 40, A Chouhan 39; Stephen 5-51) vs Andhra 75/2 in 30 overs (UMS Girinath 36 not out)
