Duleep Trophy 2017: India Blue 305-5 at tea, Day 4; trail India Red by 78 runs

Hooda (92*) is at the crease along with Jaydev Unadkat (0*) as India Blue trail India Red by 78 runs.

Hanuma Vihari’s century was a big boost to India Blue, as they put up 305 for 5 at tea on Day Four of the second Duleep Trophy match against India Red. Vihari and Deepak Hooda had remained unbeaten after playing a handful overs on rain-interrupted Day Three. They built big on the partnership as Vihari scored a century. However, he was removed soon after. Hooda (92*) is at the crease along with Jaydev Unadkat (0*) as India Blue trail India Red by 78 runs. READ: Rain spoils Day 3 of India Red vs India Blue

After the half-century from skipper Suresh Raina, Vihari and Hooda took up the responsibility and built a crucial partnership. 383 is not an easy target, but they held their nerves. Vihari scored half-century and was unbeaten at stumps of Day Three, going well for his hundred. With a day wasted, India Blue paced up their batting. Hooda got to his half-century  on Saturday morning, while Vihari quickly got to his century. Basil Thampi got India Red their much desired breakthrough, getting Vihari clean bowled for 105. India Blue lost yet another wicket quickly, as the new man in, Ishan Kishan departed for a duck. Hooda, in his nineties, now has a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders. He will have to anchor the innings, face most of the deliveries, give time to Unadkat to settle down at the crease while scoring his century.

For India Red, Thampi has been the most successful bowler so far with 2 for 75.

Brief scores:

India Red 383 lead India Blue 305 for 5 (Hanuma Vihari 105, Suresh Raina 52, Deepak Hooda 92*; Karn Sharma 1 for 70, Basil Thampi 2 for 75) by 78 runs.

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