Kerala takes handsome lead against Jharkhand

Malappuram: Opener VA Jagadeesh and Robert Fernandez struck centuries and added 230 runs for the second wicket as Kerala took a huge 205-run first innings lead against Jharkhand in their Group C Ranji trophy match on the second day, here on Sunday.

At close, Jharkhand were reeling at 37 for 2 in 14 overs in their second essay. Earlier, resuming at overnight score of 165 for 1, Jagadeesh (138) and Robert Fernandez (111) batted well to take their side to a postition of strength. But once the pair was dislodged, rest of the batsmen fumbled and the hosts were all out for 325 runs. Jharkhand`s Shahabaz Nadeem was the chief wicket-taker (4 for 90) while Sameer Quadri captured 3 for 77. The visitors did not fair well in their second innings too losing early wickets and have a tough task on hand. Brief scores: Jharkhand: 120 and 37 for 2 Kerala 1st innings: 325 all out (Jagadeesh 138, Fernandez 111; S Nadeem 4/90, S Quadri 3/77, Rao 2/39). PTI