Laxman’s appetite for runs look insatiable

In reply to Mumbai’s modest 260 in the first essay, Rest of India rode on Laxman’s heroics to reach 299-4.

In a way Laxman provided coaching lessons to the newcomers in the opposite camp displaying fine temperament and finesse despite the sultry conditions that prevailed. Surely, he had an able ally in young Mohammad Kaif (75, 248m, 193b, 10×4) who revelled in company of his senior. The two worked in tandem keeping a cool head that made the Mumbai bowlers look heavenwards.Laxman and Kaif added 201 runs for the fourth wicket and looked set for more before Kaif lost his concentration at the stroke of tea misreading an armer from left-arm spinner Rajesh Pawar to be clean bowled.

It was a jittery morning for Rest of India losing nightwatchman Murali Karthik (caught by wicketkeeper Sameer Dighe off Mhmabrey). At 29-3, they appeared to be struggling but Laxman and Kaif changed the script ruling till the last session.

While Kaif played his role to a nicety, it was Laxman who ruled the day. The mediocre bowling could do little to test his skills and given the penchant he has for big scores the setting was just perfect.

Laxman’s driving on either side of the wicket was copybook and at times even reflected an Azharuddin. His cover drives had class written all over.

There was one error though in his innings when he edged seamer Paras Mahambrey to a diving Nilesh Kulkarni at second slip. The ball, however, was far from Kulkarni’s long reach and just brushed the top of his left thumb. Laxman was then on 73.

The reprieve only strengthened Laxman’s resolve and he soon reached his first ever century in Irani Cup from five attempts with a push on the on-side. He stepped up the scoring after tea making fine use of his feet to drive Kulkarni for consecutive boundaries and later cut Rajesh Pawar with relative ease twice in quick succession.

Mumbai with its limited resources could hardly do anything than wait for Laxman to tire. He didn’t. Relaxing himself time and again, he despatched the loose deliveries to the ropes to highlight the clear difference between others and himself.

With Laxman in total command, Martin (who replaced Kaif) settled in the groove quickly with two crisp drives to the fence. But in a hurry to score he offered Kulkarni a return catch, when on 23, but the bowler failed to hold on much to the dismay of his team.

With the wicket becoming a sleeping beauty, more agony for Mumbai appears to be in store on Sunday when Laxman will return with a view to reach his double century something he has now made a habit.

Scoreboard
MUMBAI (1st Innings): 260
REST of INDIA (1st Innings; overnight 23 for 2):
Shiv Sunder Das c Jaffer b Mhambrey (13m, 10b) 0
Sadagopan Ramesh c Dighe b Saxena (6m, 3b, 1×4) 4
Murali Karthik c Dighe b Mhambrey (40m, 32b, 3×4) 22
VVS Laxman batting (371m, 280b, 24×4) 165
Mohd Kaif b Rajesh Pawar (248m, 193b, 10×4) 75
Jacob Martin batting (90m, 63b, 2×4) 25
Extras: (b2, lb1, nb5) 8
TOTAL: (for 4 wkts, in 96 overs) 299
Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Ramesh), 2-8 (Das), 3-29 (Karthik), 4-230 (Kaif)Bowling: Mhambrey 16-2-54-2, Saxena 13-1-49-1, Kulkarni 30-6-86-0, Pawar 20-1-67-1 (5nb), Powar 15-2-37-0, Shetty 2-1-3-0.