Holders Karnataka began their defence of the Ranji Trophy this season against southern neighbours Kerala at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. The hosts were without a number of key players who were leased out to the India and India 'A' teams, paving the way for the entry of 20 year old Rowland Barrington into the eleven. Karnataka won the toss and elected to bat and when stumps were called on the opening day the scoreboard was a picture of health at 251/2. The toast of the dressing room was Barrington who became only the eighth player in Karnataka history to score a century on debut in the competition.

The early loss of his skipper and opening partner, Sujith Somasunder, may have created a momentary flutter in Barrington's mind but his confidence gradually soared as he played himself in, accompanied by the experienced A Vijay. The two blunted the designs of the Kerala attack with a 153 run second wicket stand. Barrington's first fifty came up in just 71 balls while his second fifty was only a shade slower.

Kerala's bowling comprised of new ball bowlers Sunil Oasis and TR Sudheesh besides a four man spin attack spearheaded by that wily customer, KN Ananthapadmanabhan and including India Under 19 left armer, Sreekumar Nair. But none of them were able to make an impression on young Barrington as he serenely proceeded to his hundred in 228 minutes off 151 balls. When he was finally trapped leg before by Sudheesh after lunch in the 61st over of the day, his personal tally had settled at a stirring 106 off 165 balls inclusive of thirteen hits to the fence.

Karnataka went on to score 483 and Barrington wasn't required to pick up his willow again as opening bowlers Mansur Ali Khan and GN Umesh combined to bowl out Kerala twice to complete a massive innings and 137 run victory. That one knock was enough to establish his place in the eleven and Barrington was one of the select few who figured in every single Ranji engagement in the season right upto the semi final.