Thalassery (Kerala), Nov 3 Skipper B Sumant's unbeaten 58 and his 82-run fourth wicket partnership with Venugopala Rao (69) helped Andhra Pradesh score 215 for 5 on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy Plate Group 'B' match against Kerala here today.

Electing to bat, Andhra got off to a good start with openers Watekar (29) and Prasad Reddy (16) putting on 46 runs, but after that they lost quick wickets to be at 62 for 3.

However, former India player Venugopala Rao and Sumant played sensibly to take the score to 144/4 before the former departed after scoring 69 in 92 deliveries, including 12 boundaries and a huge six off left-arm spinner Prashant.

Sumant continued his good form and along with Manoj Sai (17) added another 48 runs for the fifth wicket. Sumant's 58 included seven boundaries.

Kerala captain and former India fast bowler, S Sreesanth remained wicketless.

- (Agencies)