The Kerala-Uttar Pradesh Ranji Trophy opener meandered to a dull and drab draw at the SD College ground in Alappuzha on Monday. The visitors ended on the happier note as they bagged three points by virtue of their first innings lead while Kerala had to be content with one.
The match was reduced to academic interest once bad light stopped play for about an hour in the morning session and UP decided to continue their innings once the weather conditions improved.
Kerala had something to cheer early in the morning when Basil Thampi had overnight centurion Aryan Juyal trapped in front of the wicket for 115.
But that was the only moment of joy for the hosts in the first session as bad light forced the players back to the pavilion.
When play resumed, Priyam Garg and Aksh Deep looked in no hurry and made the most of the opportunity to get some runs under their belt.
Garg went on to complete his hundred and UP declared their innings when he fell to Shreyas Gopal for a laborious 106 (205 balls, 8x4, 1x6). Aksh Deep Nath remained unbeaten on 38.
Kerala began their second innings on the wrong foot. Debutant Krishna Prasad bagged a pair as he was castled by Saurabh Kumar.
Rohan Kunnummal played in his usual aggressive fashion and made 42 before he was deceived in flight by Kuldeep Yadav and only managed to edge the ball to Yash Dayal. When both captains agreed to shake hands after an extended second session, Kerala were 72 for two Rohan Prem (29*) and Sachin Baby at the crease.
Kerala now travel to Guwahati to face Assam on Friday while UP will host Bengal.
