Shiv looks to prove a point

They shouldered upon him the responsibility of the U-22 side and re-launched him as the spearhead of the team’s bowling attack in the CK Nayudu Trophy. He responded in style on Tuesday,with figures of seven for 31 against Delhi at Roshanara Club,wrapping up the opposition for a paltry 169.

The Roshanara wicket is like no other wicket in Delhi. In fact,a covering of fresh grass makes the Roshanara wicket the most conducive for seam bowlers in the region. The Delhi lads may be a dominant side on a flat batting Ferozeshah Kotla batting wicket,but on a green top such as the Roshanara,one immediately realises their struggle against decent fast bowling.

Just ask Kumar. He assessed the juice in the wicket and gave the home side a good look at quality swing bowling. With a lean physique,Kumar stuck to his line and didn’t lose focus.

It must have been tough for any pacer to stick to his guns,considering the fact that a green-top usually lights up a fast bowler’s eyes,but not Kumar. Kumar knew that hitting the right area and making the batsmen reach for the ball was the key to fetch wickets. In all,he bowled 23 overs,pitching it up with a big out-swinger following through the corridor.

“The conditions did the trick for me. They were suitable for my style of bowling as I focused on swing rather than pace. It was difficult to get purchase from the pitches back in Andhra as they lacked moisture. But today,the weather was just appropriate and I loved bowling on a pitch like this,” said Kumar,who was also a member of the India U-19 squad that won the World Cup in Malaysia.

Although Andhra have already played two of their Ranji Trophy matches,Kumar is hopeful of a comeback. He said that his performance will get acknowledged and has come at the right time. “This is good way to regain form in the under-22 level.”

After playing four of their matches at Kotla,Delhi batsmen disappointed since none of them adapted to the conditions. At one stage,Delhi were seven wickets down for 67 runs,majority of the wickets falling to either the keeper or slips. But somehow,the home-side didn’t stop aiming for the empty cover region,as edged flew thick and fast to the slip quadron.

Finally,Puneet Mehra did what all other batsmen should have done — show patience and put a price on the wicket. Cutting out the expensive strokes,Mehra held one end up,prompting Andhra to change their tactics. Kumar was eventually rested as the spinners came on and Mehra’s tactic had paid dividends.

After completing a much appreciated 160-ball 71,he too succumbed to Kumar’s brilliance. The ball kicked off the turf and kissed Mehra’s gloves on its way to the keeper. Delhi were wrapped up shortly after for 169,and Andhra were set to face a few late evening nerves,before light ended day’s play before a ball was bowled.

Brief scores: Delhi 169 all out in 71.3 overs (Puneet Mehra 71,Sunny Sehrawat 20; D Shiv Kumar 7/31,NV Mahesh Krishna 2/35)