Ranji Trophy: Bhui, Shinde power Andhra to 262/2 despite Vihari’s injury on day 1

Ricky Bhui’s 14th First-Class hundred ensured a commanding begin for Andhra on Day 1 of its Ranji Trophy quarterfinal in opposition to Madhya Pradesh on the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Tuesday.

Captain Hanuma Vihari’s damage however, a measured 190-run unbeaten partnership between Bhui (115 batting) and Karan Shinde (83 batting) positioned Andhra on 262 for 2 at stumps.

Madhya Pradesh’s resolution to bowl first in beneficial circumstances – a crimson soil pitch with a good masking of grass – was not aided by erratic spells from his pacers. 

A moist floor compelled a 30-minute delay in begin of play. Madhya Pradesh’s tempo spearhead Avesh Khan misplaced his footing off the primary supply and popped the ball straight to fifth-slip. Avesh’s day would solely worsen, ending with figures of none for 66.

Andhra openers CR Gnaneshwar and Abhishek Reddy blunted the new-ball assault from Avesh and Anubhav Agarwal with a streak of fours on the on-side. The seam duo tried to needle the off-stump however was compelled out in simply 4 overs with agency bats.

First-change pacer Gourav Yadav ended the openers’ vigil with sustained accuracy and seam motion. While Gnaneshwar was caught-behind off a steep bouncer, Gourav trapped Abhishek with a faster supply onto the pads. 

Walking in at no. 3, a flourishing Vihari was zapped by Avesh’s bouncer. The ball thudded into Vihari’s prime hand, forcing him to fling his bat immediately in ache. Vihari retired damage on 16 and instantly left for the hospital the place scans revealed a wrist fracture. 

Meanwhile, Bhui and Shinde guided Andhra to Lunch earlier than taking off within the subsequent classes. 

Spinners Saransh Jain and Kumar Kartikeya have been hardly geared up to unsettle the batters. Bhui, significantly offensive off the backfoot, galloped to his ton in 158 deliveries and remained unperturbed when stranded on 99 for 11 balls. Shinde stonewalled from the opposite finish with spurts of aggression. The pair safely negotiated two overs of the second new ball, capping an outstanding begin to the knockouts.