Cheteshwar Pujara and Arpit Vasavada gave a masterclass in defensive batting with a five-hour partnership on day two, taking Saurashtra to a strong position in their Ranji Trophy final against Bengal in Rajkot yesterday.

Their 142-run stand off 380 balls wore down the opposition who had a slight edge after reducing Saurashtra to 206 for five on the opening day.

Pujara (66 off 237), who was on five when he retired hurt on day one due to fever, and Vasavada (106 off 287) batted for two sessions and five overs as the hosts reached 384 for eight at the close of play. On day two, the hosts managed 178 runs in 79.1 overs for the loss of three wickets.

On-field umpire replaced

On-field umpire C Shamshuddin was on Tuesday ruled out for the remainder of the Ranji Trophy final after he got hit around the lower abdomen area on the opening day of the title clash between Bengal and Saurashtra. Shamshuddin could not take the field on Day 2 and went for a check-up in a local hospital after his pain aggravated. Shamshuddin’s replacement, Yashwant Barde, will join Padmanabhan on the third day.

Shamsuddin’s on-field partner Anantha Padmanabhan was the only one officiating in the middle during the first session with local umpire Piyush Kakkar standing at square leg.

Post Lunch, S Ravi joined Padmanabhan in the middle. Shamshuddin was the TV umpire.