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Ashwin leads Tamil Nadu’s recovery

Special Correspondent

DHARAMSHALA: A century from a No. 8 batsman is a rare occurrence at any level but R. Ashwin drew inspiration from skipper Dinesh Karthik and hauled Tamil Nadu out of an embarrassing situation on the opening day of its Ranji Trophy Super League match against Himachal Pradesh here on Tuesday.

Walking in at a precarious 132 for six, Ashwin hit his second first-class century to enable Tamil Nadu finish the day at 293 for eight with V. Yomahesh giving company with a robust 23. The architect of the revival was Ashwin but the direction had come from a fighting Karthik after the indefatigable Vikramjeet Malik had rocked the Tamil Nadu innings with some early blows.

Exemplary effort

The Tamil Nadu skipper’s performance was all the more exemplary considering the fact that he was on the road the entire Monday. Leaving Kanpur at dawn, he reached Chandigarh via

Lucknow and Delhi, driving the last leg to reach this hilly town past midnight.

That he still had the energy to battle it out speaks for Karthik’s commitment. Support came later from a determined Ashwin.

Fine bowling

Himachal Pradesh had Tamil Nadu gasping through some fine seam bowling by Malik, Mohinder Sharma and Jitender Mehta. The decision to bat mocked at the Tamil Nadu camp before Karthik took over the responsibility by superbly pacing his innings.

To his credit, he exploited the loose balls to the full and hit 14 fours in his 104-ball essay before he was run out. And then the stage was dominated by Ashwin.

All-rounder material

That he has the potential to develop into an all-rounder was known but Ashwin confirmed it this afternoon with an innings of character against a bowling that was disciplined in the first two sessions.

His ability to pick gaps helped Ashwin, who has so far struck 18 fours in his 126-ball knock.

But for his determination, Tamil Nadu would have come a cropper against an attack where Malik stood out for his spirited show.

The scores:

Tamil Nadu — 1st innings: A. Mukund c R. Dhawan b Malik 27, S. Anirudha c P. Dogra b Mohinder 5, K.B. Arun Karthik c Mukesh b Malik 11, S. Badrinath c Mannu b Mehta 1, D. Karthik (run out) 70, S. Suresh Kumar b Malik 12, C. Ganapathy b Mohinder 15, R. Ashwin (batting) 107, L. Balaji lbw b Mukesh 14, V. Yomahesh (batting) 23; Extras (b-6, nb-2): 8. Total (for eight wkts. in 90 overs): 293.

Fall of wickets: 1-31, 2-45, 3-50, 4-52, 5-83, 6-132, 7-156, 8-206.

Himachal Pradesh bowling: Malik 27-8-79-3, Mohinder 13-2-58-2, Jitender Mehta 20-2-69-1, Kuldeep Diwan 17-4-47-0, Rishi Dhawan 6-1-16-0, Mukesh 7-0-18-1.

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