Didn’t play County cricket to get back to Indian team: Murali Vijay

After a dismal show with the bat in the Test series against England, Indian opener Murali Vijay rediscovered his form while playing for Middlesex in county cricket but the Indian opener states that he didn’t meddle with this technique. He also insisted that he didn’t play well to get his place back in the national side.

Also read: Rohit Sharma, Murali Vijay, Parthiv Patel recalled for Australia Test series

The right-hander had a torrid time in England during the Test series wherein he had scores of 20, 0, 6 and 0 in the four innings he played. He then was dropped from the side following which he inked a deal with Middlesex.

His stepping into the County circuit seemed to be a move that benefited him hugely as he got back into form with a hundred and three fifties.

“There wasn’t any adjustment. It was a great experience because it wasn’t easy. I should thank Essex for having me and giving me an opportunity to play the way I wanted to. We had crucial three matches, and it really motivated me. I could step up and contribute, so I was happy to gain some experience there,” said the Tamil Nadu opener, after his team’s victory against Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy opener.

“I never went to play County to get back into the Indian team. I felt it was important to get some runs and play good cricket. It so happened that I could do well (there) which gave me that extra bit of chance to get back into the side, ” he added.

Vijay also appreciated the fact that the Indian team management organised practice games ahead of the Test series in Australia which kicks off on December 6.
India would compete in a three-match T20I series prior to that beginning on November 21.

“For me it’s a mental game. It’s never been a question of my ability. This time we have planned pretty well. We are going a little early and we are going to get a few practice games as well in Australia before we play the first Test match.

“That will be ideal for us. Hopefully our boys can gel as a team and put their best foot forward,” Vijay said.

The opener had a fruitful outing the last time India toured Australia as he scored 482 runs, averaging 60.25.

He also said that he is ready to take on Australia’s main spinner Nathan Lyon in the upcoming series, adding that one shouldn’t allow someone like him “to settle down”.

“You can’t allow a bowler of his Lyon’s caliber to settle into his rhythm. We both had a good competition going on the last time we played and it will be great to once again take him on and put him under pressure,” Vijay added.

He would be  part of the India A squad that would play tour New Zealand, later this week.

Image credit- CricTracker