First N Jagadeesan got run out, later Pradosh Ranjan Paul fell cheaply. To complicate matters B Indrajith got injured and could not bat. ”We were hopeful of a good start and with the depth in our batting we were confident of taking a lead. But unfortunately, Jagadeesan got run out and Indrajith got injured. This put a bit of pressure on the middle order,” added Ajith Ram.

A lot was expected from in form C Andre Siddarth and experienced Vijay Shankar to bail out the side, but that didn’t happen as the former was trapped in front to Utkarsh for a blob, while the latter fell to the guile of Manishi.

”Andre’s wicket was the turning point of the innings. He is in splendid form and the wicket not too threatening, one expected a big innings from him. But I am sure in the second innings he will come good as he is in brilliant touch. After him we thought with Vijay Shankar around, we could rally around him and take the lead. But that was not to be. It happens. It is part of the game. We will bounce back strongly in the second innings,” said Ajith Ram.

Offie Utkarsh Singh read the surface well and cleverly varied the pace to trouble the Tamil Nadu batters by bowling wicket to wicket. Towards the close of play, the wicket began to behave oddly with some balls turning, while a few going straight.

”The wicket will increasing help spinners from Friday morning. We will go all out against them and get them all out for a decent score and chase down the same. We are confident and eager to fight it out,” signed off Ajith Ram.