Kolkata: Bengal captain Manoj Tiwary on Thursday raised the issue concerning the SG balls which is currently being used for the Ranji Trophy matches. According to Manoj, the SG balls are losing their shape a bit too early. The Bengal captain was seen complaining to the field umpires today about the ball.
“There was a problem with the shape of the ball. The current SG balls are losing their shapes a bit early as compared to what we used to have few years back. After every 5-6 overs the ball is going out of shape. If we have to pick 20 wickets we need to maintain the ball,” said Manoj to the reporters after the match.
The Bengal captain notched up his 24th first class century today. On being asked when the 25th ton is coming, he said, “I will only think about it when I go out to bat next time. I don’t think we will get enough time to bat in the second innings. I always go into bat with positive frame of mind thinking about scoring a big one. On the personal front I am happy to contribute but there is also a touch disappointment as I could not make a big score.”
Manoj defended his bowlers including Md Shami as there was not much help from the wicket during the post lunch session.
“Shami didn’t had the best of starts but it often happens to any bowler. He bowled outstandingly in the last couple of matches. Today also he bowled exceptionally well in the last couple of overs, and was rewarded by getting a set batsman out. Dinda also got the crucial wicket of Nikhil Gangta towards the end. At the end of the day we are in a good position.”
He added, “There will be moisture at the start of play tomorrow and hopefully our bowlers will utilise the condition well and run through their innings.”
Lastly, on being asked whether they will be going for the kill tomorrow, Manoj said, “We will definitely go for six points but before that we have to secure the three points first. We will plan according to the match situation. We will definitely enforce follow-on.”