TN in driver’s seat; declares at 530/8

Riding on centuries by B Aparajith and all-rounder Vijay Shankar, Tamil Nadu piled up 530 for 8 and declared their first innings on the second day of their Group 'C' Ranji Trophy cricket match.

The hosts reached 36 for no loss at draw of stumps. Resuming at overnight 292 for 3, which was built on Murali Vijay's 140, Tamil Nadu consolidated their innings with Aparajith remaining unbeaten on 109 and Shankar scoring 100 runs despite losing B Indrajith for 46 early.

Aparajith, who joined Shankar, ensured that the team scored at a brisk pace and added 177 runs. Shankar, who struck nine fours and a six, fell after reaching his three-figure mark becoming leg-before wicket to Biplab Samantaray. It was Shankar's fifth Ranji Trophy ton. Aparajith, who raised his second century of the season studded with nine boundaries and a six, played confidently and stepped up the tempo as the side looked for quick runs. Young all-rounder M S Washington Sundar didn't last too long but he hit three boundaries before falling for 14 and V Yomahesh, who made a comeback to firstclass cricket in the game against Mumbai, got out for a duck. Aparajith and K Vignesh added 26 runs before the Tamil Nadu captain declared the innings. In reply, Odisha openers Sandeep Pattanaik and Natraj Behera saw off the 13 overs, scoring 36 runs. Brief Scores: At Agartala: Andhra 402 (Prashanth Kumar 133, Hanuma Vihari 62, Bhui 74, Sarkar 5 for 68) vs Tripura 68 for 1.