Former champions Haryana crawled to 169 for four in their first innings on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group-A clash against Tamil Nadu in Chennai on Saturday.

The highlight of the opening day's play was the performance of the host team's bowlers who maintained a steady line and length throughout. The visitors failed to tackle the spinners, particularly off-spinner R Aswin, who claimed two wickets conceding 46 runs from 31 overs.

Aswin broke the opening stand after Haryana elected to bat with the wicket of Sumit Sharma for 23.

With Sunny Singh perishing cheaply for just 1, opener Ankit Rawat and Deepak Joon opted to bat carefully and prevent any further loss.

Joon was finally caught at silly point off Aswin for 26 after adding 64 runs for the third wicket. Ankit, a debutant, was well caught at gully by Satish off medium pacer Yomahesh. Ankit top scored with 67 in 259 minutes hitting seven fours.

At close, Sandeep Singh (18) and Mahesh Rawat (15) were at the crease.

Scoreboard:

Haryana first innings:
Sumit Sharma b R Aswin 23
Ankit Rawat c R Satish B Yomahesh 67
Sunny Singh c Anirudha B C Suresh 1
Deepak Joon c Prasanna B R Aswin 26
Sandeep Singh not out 18
Mahesh Rawat not out 15

Extras: (b-7, lb-5, nb-7) 19

Total (for 4 wkts in 97 overs) 169

Fall of wickets: 1-52, 2-53, 3-117, 4-133.

Bowling: Yomahesh 16-6-28-1, R Jesuraj 15-6-27-0, R Satish 5-1-15-0, R Aswin 31-12-46-2, C Suresh 24-12-30-1, S Badrinath 6-1-11-0.