Murali Vijay to Represent Essex in County Championship

Out of favour Team India opener, Murali Vijay has signed a deal with Essex County Cricket Club. The veteran right-handed batsman will represent the renowned county club in the remainder of the 2018 County Championship campaign.

Vijay was part of the Indian squad for the ongoing five-match Test series against England. He was part of the Team India squad for the first three Tests in the United Kingdom (UK).

He was dropped from the playing XI after a couple of average returns in the first two matches.

The stylish right-handed opener Vijay was then dropped from the squad for the last two Tests of the series.

Mumbai’s rising sensation Prithvi Shaw was introduced as his replacement.

Murali Vijay has signed a deal with Essex County Club. (Image Courtesy: Getty Images)

Murali Vijay looking forward to his stint with Essex

“I was here with the India side about a month ago and saw first-hand just how good the crowd is. I can’t wait to play for Essex and hopefully win some matches,” the County club, Essex quoted Vijay as saying.

Meanwhile, Essex head coach Anthony McGrath is happy to sign Vijay.

“We’re delighted that Vijay has chosen to come here. He’s a great batsman who can score runs at the top of the order. Vijay’s run-scoring ability means he can be the difference-maker in a game, and that skill is something we were looking to bring in towards the end of the season and something that we’re excited about,” McGrath stated.

 

“The campaign is coming to an end and we have some really big games over the next month, so getting someone in with the experience and international quality that Vijay possesses could make all the difference for us,” he said.

Murali Vijay has been the premier opener for India in the most extended format till the beginning of this series. He has been a prolific run-scorer for India and has proved himself time and again in overseas conditions.

However, he hasn’t been at his best in the last few series. Murali Vijay is a top-class batsman, and he has vouched to back in the national team soon. It would be interesting to see how Vijay would perform for Essex in the County Championship.