Energetic Indian juniors win warm up game

A relaxed Roger Binny saw his boys coast to victory in the India Under-15 versus Tamil Nadu Under-16 practice match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Monday. Beside him was an equally at ease Professor Ratnakar Shetty. The executive joint secretary of the Mumbai Cricket Association is with the juniors in the capacity of manager. Having played the same role with the Indian senior team in 1997 when they toured Sri Lanka, Shetty was more than accustomed with the tasks at hand.

"This is the right time to be with these boys. At this age, they are keen to play the game and are trying hard to make their careers." He was also very happy with the team and was hopeful about their chances in Malaysia. "We'll play hard and have it in us to win. I hope the boys do well and return with the trophy."

When the Indian captain Subhash Dixit won the toss and elected to field on a hot Chennai morning, his bowlers responded in fine style. Leading from the front, the captain ended with the impeccable figures of 8-2-13-4. He was well supported by off spinner Palash Jyoti Das. The Assamese lad ended with 3/23. In all, the Tamil Nadu side could muster only 175 as they were all out three overs short of their allotted 45 overs.

Vijay Sarthy (37) and Vishal Kudavala (46) played the only knocks worthy of mention. Aditya Srikkanth, watched with interest because of his famous father, did not make an impact in his innings of 18. Panau Raju, who is a member of the squad that will leave for the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Under-15 tournament later today strengthened the Tamil Nadu ranks by playing for them.

When the Indian team came out to bat, they were under no pressure at all. On a flat track, Binny used the opportunity to give as many possible players a knock out in the middle. At the top of the innings, Hyderabad opener Tirupati Rayadu slammed an unbeaten 72, but retired back to the pavilion to give way to other batsmen. Palash Jyoti Das who shone with the ball earlier in the day helped himself to a half century before he too retired. Overhauling the total for the loss of just four wickets, an excited Indian team walked off the field.

Binny was all smiles as he sat down with the boys after the game and went through some breathing exercises and just before leaving the ground, Binny too echoed Shetty's optimism.