Murali Vijay scores half century for Essex in County cricket

Indian opener Murali Vijay returned among the runs in England making a well-constructed half-century for Essex in the County Championship Division One match against Nottinghamshire on Monday.

Vijay, who was left out of the Indian team after the second Test at Lord’s and also not named in the squad for the final two matches against England, has signed up for Essex in the English county and will play three matches for them in the final phase of the season.

The 34-year-old scored a fine 56 in the opening innings and was also involved in a 50+ run opening partnership with Nick Browne (24) at Trent Bridge.

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His innings from 95 balls included nine boundaries to the fence and Vijay looked calm in his approach playing a couple of gorgeous straight drives during his stay at the crease.

Earlier, opting to bat Nottinghamshire were bowled out for a paltry 177, with opener Ben Slater top scoring with a 33. Only six batsmen managed to get past double scores, three of which were the final three batsmen – Luke Wood (27), Luke Fletcher (30), and Mark Footitt (21).

James Potter with four wickets was the chief destructor, while Matthew Quinn and Matt Coles chipped in three wickets each.

In reply, Essex got off to a fabulous start but a middle-order let down means they too are struggling and are currently batting at 133/5.

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