India vs Australia: Playing in Australia suits my game, says Vijay

The Chennai-born right-hander said he will fancy his chances on the bouncier Australian wickets, which favour his backfoot game.

Published : Dec 01, 2018 14:22 IST , Sydney

Vijay added 109 runs with K L Rahul, who scored a fluent 62, and belied the dressing room’s concerns over the opening combination.
Vijay added 109 runs with K L Rahul, who scored a fluent 62, and belied the dressing room’s concerns over the opening combination.
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Vijay added 109 runs with K L Rahul, who scored a fluent 62, and belied the dressing room’s concerns over the opening combination.

Murali Vijay, who struggled in the Test series against England before being dropped from the India squad, scored a fine 129 smashing 16 fours and five sixes on the fourth and final day of the lone warm-up match against Cricket Australia XI on Saturday.

And the Chennai-born right-hander said he will fancy his chances on the bouncier Australian wickets, which favour his backfoot game.

READ| India vs Cricket Australia XI: Vijay slams ton, match ends in draw

Positive frame of mind

“It was good to get some practice hitting over the boundary. I just took my chances and it came my way. I knew opportunities were around the corner and wanted to be in a positive frame of mind.

“I have been working hard on my game and fitness, and I am looking forward to contributing in this series. Hopefully, I can do that,” Vijay said.

Vijay added 109 runs with K L Rahul, who scored a fluent 62, and belied the dressing room’s concerns over the opening combination after youngster Prithvi Shaw was ruled out of the first Test in Adelaide due to an ankle injury.

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“Basically I am ready (after playing county cricket, tour matches in New Zealand and Australia). I just want to go out there, contribute and give a good start to my team. I have always been aiming for that and nothing is different this time," Vijay said.

Pitches tailor-made for backfoot game

The seasoned opener said he was looking forward to playing Test cricket in Australia again, especially after enjoying a good series here in 2014.

“We (Rahul and him) come from the same part of India so we understand each other well. He is a good guy to bat with and he is fun. Hopefully we can carry that momentum forward into the first Test.

“It always feels good to go to grounds where you have scored runs as it helps you a lot and I have good memories of it.”

“Playing in Australia suits my game because I am a batsman who likes to play on the backfoot. Australia is the one place you get the bounce, so you can play your shots coming from India and exploring shots that you have kept in your kit."

READ| India vs Australia: Current Indian attack is one of the best in a long time, says Geoff Lawson

Taking responsibility

Asked about any added responsibility, Vijay replied, “Once you play international cricket you have to have responsibility, whether it is your first year or you have played four years ago. It is about taking responsibility and doing the job for the team. Age or years don’t matter here.

“You have to find ways to work things out. If you are not part of the team, you have to make sure you keep your work ethics at the top level and once you get the chance, you have to be ready to go. That was my basic fundamental after being dropped in England.”

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