The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Tamil Nadu banks on Badrinath

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Monday, Dec 25, 2006
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Tamil Nadu banks on Badrinath

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu will play Uttar Pradesh in the fifth round of the Ranji Trophy Super League here at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium from Monday.

With relegation still an embarrassing possibility — Tamil Nadu, on four points, is placed fifth in Group `A' with only Uttar Pradesh (two points) and Saurashtra (0) below it — the home side will be buoyed by the return of captain S. Badrinath. The 26-year-old, unwell during the match at Rajkot, has regained full fitness.

Not out of danger

"We aren't entirely out of danger (of being relegated)," said Badrinath after Sunday's practice session, choosing to focus on the slim chance of making the next grade.

"We'll need to win this to see if we can qualify for the semifinals."

Tamil Nadu's performance this season has frustrated its supporters.

Whether conceding the first innings lead at the Ferozeshah Kotla or squandering a shot at an outright victory over Andhra at home or collapsing against Haryana off-spinner G. Vashisht, again at home, the side has struggled.

"What we haven't done consistently this season is bowl out the opposition," said Badrinath. "But, our bowling attack is inexperienced, so I'll give them time."

When asked about possible changes in the bowling attack, Badrinath preferred not to reveal his hand until the morning of the match. There certainly will be one change: a batsman will make way for the Tamil Nadu skipper, whose battle of skills with veteran A.W. Zaidi, left-armer R.P. Singh, and leg-spinner Piyush Chawla will be interesting.

Bad season

Defending champion Uttar Pradesh has had a worse season than Tamil Nadu. There was, however, no trace of despair during Sunday's training session. The slip cordon including captain Mohammad Kaif and Suresh Raina took sharp chances amidst banter.

The pair will be looking to recapture the batting form that led Uttar Pradesh to its maiden Ranji triumph last season.

Curator K. Parthasarathy reckons the track — the centre strip used for Test cricket — will treat batsman and bowler alike.

If nothing else, die-hard Tamil Nadu fans will get to watch four of India's finest fielders in Kaif, Raina, R. Sathish, and Badrinath.

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