Ranji Trophy | Bowlers put Karnataka in the driver’s seat against Tamil Nadu

Chennai Karnataka's bowlers dominate Tamil Nadu's top-order, putting their side in a commanding position in the Ranji Trophy match.

Karnataka’s bowlers, led by off-spinner K. Shashi Kumar (three for 41), produced a disciplined bowling effort and ran through the Tamil Nadu top-order to get their side into a commanding position on day two of the Ranji Trophy match here at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday.

Resuming at 288 for five, the visitors were bowled out for 366, with overnight batter Hardik Raj completing his maiden half-century and wicketkeeper-batter S. Sharath chipping in with a vital 45.

In reply, Tamil Nadu was tottering at 129 for seven at the end of day, losing seven wickets for 68 runs, with its batters showing poor application and technique.

Only N. Jagadeesan (40) looked comfortable taking on the spinners. He got the side off to a good start with a 51-run stand with fellow-opener Vimal Khumar before the latter was bowled around his legs while trying to sweep left-arm spinner Hardik.

Soon after, Shashi Kumar struck twice in one over, removing the well-set Jagadeesan trapped leg-before and then accounting for Pradosh Ranjan Paul two balls later, caught at cover off a leading edge.

Just when TN looked to rebuild, the pacers got into the act pushing the hosts into deeper trouble when V. Vyshak had S. Lokeshwar caught at slip with an superb rising delivery at the stroke of tea.

Kaverappa then snuffed out Vijay Shankar after the break, caught at third slip while flashing at a wide delivery as TN slumped to 93 for five.