Internet Desk : Bengal captain Manoj Tiwary has put an end to all the speculation surrounding his availability in the Ranji quarters against Madhya Pradesh at Brabourne stadium . Tiwary has made himself available for the crucial encounter against MP which starts from Wednesday .
According to Manoj ,” I had made a conscious effort to get myself fit for this match . I didn’t hurry myself during the rehab . I know the quarter final tie is very important , but we are confident of doing well as a team . I have to take the extra responsibility as a captain ”
The Brabourne strip has a tinge of green and it looks to be favoring the fast bowlers initially . Bengal is contemplating playing an extra spinner though as both Ojha and Gani have been in prime form . ” See the wicket does have a 4mm grass cover . I believe it’s going to help the faster bowlers initially . But keeping in mind the red soil , it will also help the spinners on Day 4 and Day 5 . So I would prefer to play both Ojha and Gani ,with Sayan coming in as the third seamer . But might as well go in with an extra fast bowler if I find the conditions favourable . But the final decision will only be taken at the toss .”
Bengal coach Sairaj Bahutule has made it clear that Manoj will be leading the side. Bengal will look upon their talented left handed batsman Sudip Chatterjee who was recently picked in the India A team in Deodhar Trophy . The left hander has scored 712 runs in 8 matches with an impressive average of 54.76. In the bowling department though , Bengal will rely on the experienced Pragyan Ojha. The India discard was the pick of the bowlers for Bengal with 33 scalps .
Madhya Pradesh will rely on seasoned campaigner Jalaj Saxena who was also in the India-A team .The right arm spinner has been a revelation in this season picking 46 wickets in 8 matches.
Bengal coach Sairaj Bahutule has advised his players to enjoy the match.” At the time of practice I spoke to each and every players separately. I have told them to enjoy the cricket. Don’t think about runs. Runs will come. You guys have to stick to the wicket”.
On being asked about the inclusion of Manoj Tiwary the ex-India player added,” Manoj is eighty percent fit. He has the eagerness to play. Manoj will certainly be in my team”
“Toss is a major factor. I would love to bat if I win the toss as the pitch will offer help to the pacers for the initial period. If we somehow managed to overcome the initial phases scoring runs wouldn’t be a problem” the Bengal coach added.
Bengal will go in with three pronged pace attack led by Ashoke Dinda . He will be supported by Veer Pratap Singh and Sayan Sekhar Mondal. Bengal is likely to go in with seven batsmen .
Meanwhile Madhya Pradesh has dropped all-rounder Rameez Khan from the Ranji trophy squad after he was arrested for allegedly killing a black buck.
Bengal had two wins and six draws in their credit while Madhya Pradesh have lost two of their group league matches. Madhya Pradesh will feel confident with their win in the last group league match against Gujarat .In a do or die situation Madhya Pradesh edged out Gujarat with a bonus point. Both teams finished on 24 points but Madhya Pradesh got through with a better run rate.
Bengal probales: Sayan Sekhar Mondal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sudip Chatterjee, Manoj Tiwary, Wriddhiman Saha, Sreevats Goswami, Pankaj Shaw, Aamir Gani, Pragyan Ojha, Veer Pratap Singh and Ashoke Dinda.