Kerala's Edhen shines on comeback

IMAGINE a father quitting his overseas job and relocating to an Indian city with a 12-year-old son and two daughters — one eight and another only three. The wife had to stay back because she had an opportunity to get promoted to higher ranks in her existing job. Reason — both wanted their son to pursue cricket.

- FIROZ MIRZA

Cut to the present day, the son, 19-year-old up and coming pacer Edhen Apple Tom, is playing a crucial role in Kerala's quest for their maiden Ranji Trophy title in Nagpur against the hosts and two-time champions Vidarbha.

On Day 1, Vidarbha were comfortably placed on 254/4 at stumps with Edhen, who was making his comeback to the senior side after a gap of two years, claiming a wicket. Kerala had to restrict Vidarbha to a manageable total on Thursday if they wished to keep their dream alive, and they did exactly the same by bundling out the opponents for 379. Edhen claimed two more wickets to return with decent figures of 3/102 from his 31 overs. In reply, Kerala were 131/3 when the bails were drawn.