Batman Manoj Tiwary welcomed a remarkable triple-century for Bengal in a key Ranji Trophy victory over Hyderabad recently.
Tiwary's 303 not out spanned 414 deliveries – and featured 30 fours and no sixes. The hefty innings might put Tiwary in contention for a berth in India‘s squad for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.
Tiwary has played a dozen ODIs and three T20Is, but remains uncapped at Test level. Bet365 have New Zealand and India priced at 4.00 and 1.25, respectively, to win the five-T20I series that precedes the two Tests.
What Tiwary said
“Initially I counterattacked to just throw them off their plans,” Tiwary told ESPNcricinfo. “After I raced past a half-century, I knew I had to slow down just a bit. But as the day progressed the pitch eased out, so run-scoring became easy.
“The team needed it badly. In the game against Kerala, I kind of felt some pain in my back while evading a short-ball, and lost my focus after getting to a half-century. I could have come off, but I didn't want a new batsman to come in. So I carried on, but somehow couldn't get a big one. So I was determined to make this one count once set. In the other two games, as a batsman, you were never in because the conditions were really challenging. So when I saw this wicket, I knew if you spend time, the first hour or so, it will get easier and I was able to make it count.
“Those judging us need to watch our matches before looking at stats, else numbers won't give you a true picture. The way I've been batting, I would say the season has gone well. Some of the scores have come in challenging conditions, so I'm happy deep down. It's not always about the big knocks, you have to appreciate and value scores on rank turners or green tops.
“Playing on tough wickets adds to the charm of the Ranji Trophy and when you make tough runs, it's pleasing. But my only request is for the selectors to actually start factoring in surfaces on which runs have come before forming their opinion, instead of just looking at scorebooks.”
Tiwary has represented the Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders and Rising Pune Supergiant in the Indian Premier League. However, he hasn't joined a franchise for the 2020 IPL.
