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Sriram props Tamil Nadu

Captain Mohammad Azharuddin's decision to put Tamil Nadu in to bat after winning the toss backfired as the hosts finished the opening day of their South Zone Ranji Trophy league match in a strong position at 252 for 4 wickets at the M A Chidambaran Stadium in Madras today.

S Sriram was the hero of Tamil Nadu's innings. The southpaw scored a chanceless century and was unbeaten on 112 at close of play. His 344-minute stay at the crease had ten fours and enabled Tamil Nadu recover from 11 for 2 wickets. He found an able ally in J R Madangopal (55) and Hemang Badani (52) to take the home side to a position of strength.

Earlier Azharuddin's move seemed to pay-off as opener Aashish Kapoor fell to the second ball of the second over of the match for a duck. He was caught at gully by Raju off the bowling of medium pacer Fiaz Ahmed.

The other opener Anand George soon followed, being adjudged lbw to the other new-ball bowler N P Singh for four.

Sriram them came up with a gritty innings to save the day for the hosts.

At stumps, captain Robin Singh, batting on 7, kept Sriram company.

N P Singh had figures of 2 for 49.