'Salvi was impressive'

A career blighted by injuries is finally on the upswing. Avishkar Salvi's five-wicket haul in the Karnataka first innings has put the focus back on his journey.

He modelled his action on the legendary Glenn McGrath but was struck down by a series of fitness concerns. Salvi is back in the swing of things.

"It was really memorable, achieving a five-wicket haul in the Ranji final when the team needed it. We bowled to a plan. We bowled in the right areas," Salvi said here on Tuesday.

Mumbai coach Pravin Amre said the ploy was to build pressure on Karnataka with accurate seam bowling. "We knew 233 was not a good first innings score but we bowled as a group. The pacemen were on target and there was assistance from the pitch for them. Salvi was impressive," he said.

Karnataka paceman A. Mithun, who rocked Mumbai with four early wickets in the second innings, said, "The pitch was a bit spongy on the first day but seemed hard on day two and there was nice bounce and carry for the pacemen. The wicket should ease out on day three. If we restrict the target to below 300, we have a definite chance."

Karnataka coach Sanath Kumar was disappointed with his side's batting. "We did not apply ourselves and build partnerships. We are in some difficulty now. But we are still in with a chance."