Ranji Trophy: Kukreja, Rahane help Mumbai gain upper hand

Updated on: 03 December,2009 08:37 AM IST |
Anand I Naik |

Running between the wickets is considered to be an integral part of one-day and T20 cricket.

Running between the wickets is considered to be an integral part of one-day and T20 cricket. But yesterday, on Day Two of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy game against Hyderabad in Uppal, it played a crucial role in the long version of the game too.

After dismissing Hyderabad for 266, Mumbai lost make-shift opener Vinayak Samant with the score at 27. And on a wicket where shot-making was difficult,u00a0 two aggressive batsmen helped the visitors build a platform. And they did it run by run, literally.

At stumps, Mumbai were 198 for 1 with opener Sahil Kukreja on 87 and Ajinkya Rahane on 89. "The wicket is flat but is very slow and shot-making is not easy.u00a0Also, a batsman has to work hard to get his eye in. We need a big total to put pressure on Hyderabad and go for an outright victory," Mumbai coach Praveen Amre said.

"Hence, we decided to concentrate on running hard between the wickets. The outfield is also a bit slow so if the running and calling is correct, we can keep the scoreboard moving without taking a lot of risks."

"They applied themselves well. Running between the wickets was going to be a key and they were very good in that area. Because of them, we have an advantage and if we can continue to bat like this today, we can press for a win," Amre said.