Vijay: 'Pujara makes things easy for me'

Murali Vijay, after the first day's play spoke about: his partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara, the pitch, Virat Kohli's century among other things.

Murali Vijay (left) and Cheteshwar Pujara put on 178 runs for the second wicket.

Indian opener Murali Vijay, who was one of India's two centurions (the other being captain Virat Kohli) on day one against Bangladesh here on Thursday said he really enjoyed his 178-run partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara.

Speaking to the media at the end of the first day's play, Vijay said Pujara is a solid batsman and makes things very easy for him.

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"I was not aware of the record (Pujara eclipsed Chandu Borde's five-decade-old national record of most runs by an Indian in a single season). All these show what it takes to be a great player," said Vijay of Pujara.

On his mix-up with Pujara that almost cost his wicket on 35, he said, "Yes, that is one area we have to work on."

Murali Vijay post-play comments

About the pitch, he said, "The wicket was two-paced in the morning session but looked slower in the afternoon."

"Right now I am playing in only one format – Tests. So, my objective is to play consistently and give consistent starts to the team," said Vijay.

On Kohli's century, Vijay said: "It is a great sight to see the way he plays. He takes the game to a different level. We are different characters but enjoy each other's success."

India v Bangladesh: Day One in pictures

After the England series, Vijay said, he emphasised on leaving the ball. "I am really feeling very good and hope to carry on," he added.

"It is good for the team to have a healthy competition for slots. Everyone knows what his role is. And, probably (Ajinkya) Rahane will tell how he felt it to be back in the Indian team when he scores a century tomorrow," Vijay said.

Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed felt that the wicket eased off considerably after the first hour when the ball moved a bit.

"It turned out to be a flat wicket as the day progressed. It has been a new kind of experience for all of us, especially for me," Taskin said.

Questioned whether Bangladesh lost the momentum despite his early breakthrough (sending back K. L. Rahul in the first over), Taskin said his team was up against much better batsmen to whom they had to bowl consistently well.