Ranji Trophy: Ricky Bhui stands tall to frustrate Bengal

KOLKATA: The Ranji Trophy Elite Group 'B' tie between Andhra and Bengal is turning out to be a roller-coaster ride for Ricky Bhui. The Andhra batter, who was hit on the head on Day I and did not take the field on the second day, emerged hero on Day III as he batted the entire day to take his side close to overhauling Bengal's first innings score of 409, ending the penultimate day at Visakhapatnam on 339 for six.
The former India U-19 batter Bhui was engaged in two vital partnerships adding 87 runs off 207 balls with skipper Hanuma Vihari and then put on 71 runs in 156 balls with Nithish Kumar Reddy that tilted the balance of the match in favour of the hosts.
However, Bengal, who are 70 runs ahead, can still fancy their chances of gaining a vital first-innings lead if they can get early breakthroughs on the final day morning. But for that they must see the back of Bhui who had frustrated the Bengal bowlers with a patient knock.
The 27-year-old walked out with overnight unbeaten Vihari and the duo consolidated the innings playing sensible cricket without trying any heroics. With little assistance for bowlers from the track, Bengal managed to pick up two wickets on both sides of the lunch interval after taking the second new ball.
Lunch was taken when Vihari departed for 51 edging Akash Deep to wicketkeeper Abhishek Porel. Bengal seemed to be coming back into the game when pacer Ishan Porel removed Ashwin Hebbar for a duck just after lunch to have Andhra in a spot of bother at 207 for five.
But Bhui and Reddy ensured there's no further inroads for the Bengal bowlers. Nitish finally was caught at point off Mohammed Kaif, but Shoaib Khan gave Bhui good support as the duo added 61 runs in 141 balls without being separated.
Wicketkeeper-batter Bhui went on to reach his 15th first-class hundred and finally stayed undefeated on 107 off 243 balls.