SA vs IND 2018: Murali Vijay Optimistic About his Performance

Updated - 03 Jan 2018, 07:51 PM

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Murali Vijay feels he is ready for the upcoming series against South Africa scheduled to begin from 5^th January at the Newland in Cape Town. The Indian team has gone to the rainbow on the back of a fantastic home season. Murali Vijay who missed the majority of the season due to a wrist injury made a comeback to the Test format against Sri Lanka. Murali Vijay made two centuries in the three innings he played.

Team India, Virat Kohli, 2018 Schedule, South Africa Vs India, Australia Vs India, England Vs India, IPL, Asia Cup 2018, — Team India batsmen would face a stern test. Photo Credit: BCCI.

The 33-year-old, right-handed opener has played three Tests in the rainbow nation and just like most of his team-mates; he too has struggled on the fast bouncy wickets. He only has a one-half century in the six innings he has played there. Vijay has played on Test on the 2010/11 tour and the other two on the 2013/14 tour.

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – DECEMBER 27: Murali Vijay of India walks off for 97 runs during day 2 of the 2nd Test match between South Africa and India at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on December 27, 2013 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Duif du Toit/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Vijay has a best of 97 at the Kingsmead in Durban and averages 29.33 in the six innings. However, Vijay is optimistic about the tour and says he is confident that he and team India will perform well this time around. Vijay said:

“I’ve been here a couple of times. It was challenging for the opening batsmen with the bounce and seam movement in these conditions. It is something really exciting for an opener to go out there and perform. It is difficult, but you learn a lot of things. I’m preparing myself to be a little bit more open than I was last time. I just want to go out there and whatever is thrown at me I just want to play my A-game and do well for my country.”

Vijay feels that he is confident about tackling the bounce on the South African pitches but also feels that swing will be a major concern for the batsmen:

“Personally I think I am able to manage bounce but when the ball swings around a bit it’s difficult for any batsman to keep his shape. Everybody knows what we have to do and the individuals know exactly what we need to work on. There has been perfect practice sessions for us so far. I just want to prepare myself and be in a confident state of mind, which I am at the moment.”

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Also follow India’s tour of South Africa here

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