Bengal failed to tighten the noose around Kerala as the visitors escaped from a precarious position to thwart the home team in the Group C Ranji Trophy game being played at the Jadavpur University Salt Lake campus ground.
After no play was possible on the first day of the match due to a wet outfield, Kerala stumbled to 51/4 in the 15-odd overs of play that was possible on Sunday, the second day. Then, on Monday morning, Kerala further slipped to 83/6. Pacer Ishan Porel was on fire, claiming five of the six wickets to fall.
But then began Kerala’s resistance. All-rounder Jalaj Saxena, the No. 7 batsman, and No. 8 Salman Nizar shared a 140-run stand to frustrate Bengal. Led by seasoned campaigner Saxena, Kerala’s resilience helped them reach 267/7 at stumps on Day III.
The 37-year-old Saxena, who also has 451 first-class wickets to his name, made 84 off 162 balls with 12 boundaries. At stumps, Nizar was batting on 64, while Mohammed Azharuddeen was giving him company on 30.
Brief scores: Kerala 267/7
(Jalaj Saxena 84, Salman Nizar 64 batting; Ishan Porel 5/83) vs Bengal. At stumps, Day III.