Abbas Ali takes Central role

The ‘Smiling Buddha’ Sanjay Bangar was in pain after a ball that suddenly climbed and hit his elbow. Amit Pagnis was worse hit. He...

The ‘Smiling Buddha’ Sanjay Bangar was in pain after a ball that suddenly climbed and hit his elbow. Amit Pagnis was worse hit. He lost his wicket as a skidder from Anwar Hussain caught him infront of the wicket.

On a breezy Tuesday morning, Central Zone’s decision to bat on a wicket that was in use just 36 hours before the toss today seemed questionable. But soon those doubts were cleared. First by Devender Bundela’s resilience and later by Abbas Ali’s flamboyance. If Central Zone is able to sit pretty at 248/3 against Bangladesh Cricket Board XI after the opening day, they owe a lot this pair. Though Ali, who made a fine 122, left company five overs before close, Bundela was unbeaten on 83.

But without doubt Ali’s ton was highlight of the day. His 20 hits to the fence and a hooked six off Najmul Hussain proved that he despite the dicey pitch Ali wasn’t afraid to play his shots.

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If the left-right Ali-Bundela combination from Madhya Pradesh took Central to safety at lunch, they didn’t miss to latch on the opportunities between lunch and tea. With two left-arm spinners and a leggie on display, Ali, being the left-hander, made good use of his feet and cashed on the advantage of the ball spinning into him. The spinners too, were a trifle guilty of bowling flat and tight, and it appeared that Bangla skipper Mohd Ashraful was happy to keep the run check in flow. His medium pacers had bowled their heart out but without much success.

Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore too seemed disappointed after the day’s play. ‘‘We should have got more wickets in the first session. The wicket is looking flat now,’’ he said pointing out to the missed opportunity.

Brief scores

Central Zone: 248-3 (D Bundela batting 83, Abbas Ali 122 Anwar Hussain 1-40, T Jubair 1-74, Alok Kapali 1-14)