Kerala have made a solid start to their Ranji Trophy Group C match against Madhya Pradesh in Thiruvananthapuram. After dismissing the visitors for 160, Kerala ended day one at 54 for no loss.

Kerala captain Sachin Baby won the toss and pacer M D Nidheesh inflicted the most damage on the visiting side with 5/44. Basil NP and Aditya Sarvate bagged two wickets each, while MP skipper Shubham Sharma top-scored with 54, and Venkatesh Iyer added 42.

Kerala would be hoping openers Rohan S Kunnummal (25) and Akshay Chandran (22) can build on the steady start and pile up a healthy lead.

This is Kerala's first match since Sanju Samson had a falling out with the state association in connection with his absence from the recently concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy.

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Sanju is not part of this Ranji match as he is with the Indian side that is taking on England in a five-match T20I series. He impressed behind the wickets and scored a handy 26 as India crushed the visitors by 7 wickets in the opening T20I at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday.

Cricket fans are eagerly awaiting Sanju's return to the state fold once he completes the national assignment. Kerala are unbeaten in the Ranji Trophy this season with two wins and three draws.

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Brief scores: MP 160 in 60.2 overs (Shubham Sharma 54, Venkatesh Iyer 42, Nidheesh MD 5/44, Sarvate 2/30, Basil NP 2/41) vs Kerala 54/0 in 18 overs (Rohan S Kunnummal 25 not out, Akshay Chandran 22 not out) Stumps Day 1

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