The last time people noticed RP Singh was 14 months back when he played for India against Pakistan. Since then he has not done anything of note and had almost disappeared from public memory.
In the Ranji Trophy opener against Punjab last week, RP could remove just a couple of tailenders. On Friday however, the 24-year-old paceman ripped through Orissa's first innings to let people know of his presence.
RP's 6 for 48 in 21 overs on a slow pitch here, put Uttar Pradesh in the drivers' seat, leaving Orissa struggling to save follow on at 232/9.
RP used the new ball well, first in the morning and then at the fag end of the third day. He swung back one to trap Orissa skipper SS Das (1) leg before in his third over, before shattering the stumps of Govind Poddar (1) to leave Orissa tottering at 74/4.
In the second session he had Biplab Samantray (20) and Subhrajit Sahoo (6), and then got rid of Natraj Behera (113) and Basant Mohanty (5) in the final session.
The only man to stand tall for Orissa was opener Behera. At stumps, the experienced Debashish Mohanty (30) is giving company to Dhiraj Singh (1). Orissa still need 22 runs to avoid follow-on and have a wicket in hand.
{{/usCountry}}The only man to stand tall for Orissa was opener Behera. At stumps, the experienced Debashish Mohanty (30) is giving company to Dhiraj Singh (1). Orissa still need 22 runs to avoid follow-on and have a wicket in hand.
{{/usCountry}}Brief Scores: UP 403 Orissa 232/9 (N Behera 113; RP Singh 6/48).