Axe effect

Test discard Suresh Raina scores unbeaten double ton to put UP in drivers seat

It could not have been any more different for the two rejects from the Indian Test side at the PCA Stadium on Saturday. Suresh Raina made an unbeaten double century,while Harbhajan Singh continued to go wicketless,as Uttar Pradesh dominated Punjab in Mohali on Saturday. Not only did the visitors take the first innings lead,they also ensured that Punjab never got out of the hole they were pushed into,reduced to 26/2 after conceding a first innings lead of 246-runs.

Raina had often been criticised for his lackluster will to resist trouble in the Indian middle order,but at least at the domestic level the problem was ironed out on Saturday. With an unbeaten 204 on the third day of the opening Ranji Trophy game,Raina came into his flamboyant own with his highest first-class score. On the other hand,Punjab skipper Harbhajan continued his terrible run,going wicketless for 28 overs. Considering he is the highest current Test wicket-taker in the world today,the situation is not a good one to be in for the off-spinner.

Bhajji draws a blank

Harbhajan is still to pick up a wicket in this game. On the other hand,Raina has done exactly the opposite what is expected of a Test batsman who is playing a Ranji Trophy game. He batted with both purpose and without complacency. Rainas double century and Parvinder Singhs ton helped Uttar Pradesh declare their first innings at 596 for 5. They were involved in 241-run stand for the fourth wicket. Parvinder scored 138.

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Raina said,It is satisfying to score a double hundred in the Ranji opener against a formidable bowling attack. Although,I am not really thinking much about my selection to the Test team,I knew that domestic cricket could provide me with opportunities to score runs, Raina said. The left-hander hasnt scored more runs in his first-class career in a single innings. Rainas innings had 23 hits to the fence. The only blemish came when Ravi Inder Singh spilled a caught and bowled chance at 190.

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Punjab tried eight bowlers,but failed to put the brakes on the run flow. Piyush Chawla stepped on the pedal making 73 runs in 67 balls.

Talking about his captaincy Raina said that he had learnt a lot while playing with Indian skipper MS Dhoni at the international level. I like taking up challenges,performing in pressure situations and executing plans when required. I am enjoying my stint as UP captain. Captaincy or not,Raina is but a few performances from being reconsidered for the Indian white jersey. The same,however,cannot be said about the Punjab captain.

Brief scores: Punjab 350 & 26/2 (Sarul Kanwar batting 22; Bhuvneshwar Kumar 1/0,Piyush Chawla 1/0) vs Uttar Pradesh 596/ 5 declared in 148 overs (Suresh Raina 204 not out,Parvinder Singh 138,Piyush Chawla 73; Manpreet Gony 2/ 102)