Record partnership puts Bengal in command

In his 100th first-class game,Laxmi Ratan Shukla played the innings of his life.

In his 100th first-class game,Laxmi Ratan Shukla played the innings of his life. A sparking 250 in 371 balls with 35 fours and three sixes that lifted Bengal into a potentially match-winning position on the second day of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match against Assam at Eden Gardens on Thursday. The hosts declared on 562 for six and are now all set to go for an outright win.

Spare a thought for Wriddhiman Saha as well who remained unbeaten on 178. He was a tad watchful,took 355 balls and hit 15 boundaries and two sixes. But he offered solidity that gave Shukla the platform to attack. Together they put on 417 runs for the sixth wicket,which is a new record in Indian first-class cricket.

It feels nice to get back amongst runs. More importantly,it came at a time when the chips were down. At 126 for 5,it was anybodys game. I tried to play according to the situation. Without Saha it wouldnt have been possible though. He always gave me the assurance, Shukla said after the days play. It was his maiden double hundred in first-class cricket and overall his fifth century. Saha notched up his fourth first-class century which turned out to be his career-best.

Shukla,however,had lady luck on his side. Assam wicketkeeper Kunal Saikia dropped him thrice. The first one was when the batsman was on 78 as he nicked an Abu Nachim Ahmeds outswinger. The Bengal all-rounder gave two more chances after reaching his hundred but Saikia had a bad day in office.

At stumps Assam were 10 for no loss with D S Yadav batting on 10 and S S Roy giving him company.

Brief scores: Bengal 562/6 decl (L Shukla 250,W Saha 178 not out; R Mali 2/79) vs Assam 10/0

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