Murali Vijay to miss the first Test v Sri Lanka at Galle

Murali Vijay to miss the first Test v Sri Lanka at Galle: The Indian star opener in Test cricket, Murali Vijay is to miss the first Test match against hosts, Sri Lanka following a hamstring injury. The 3-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka is to start on the 12^th of August. The news that Vijay will not be fit before the first Test came as a big blow for the team as he has been the most consistent scorers for the team in the last one-year or so.

The right handed batsman, suffering from a hamstring injury has been one of the most enhanced batsmen for India in the five-day matches. His past performances include excellent numbers in India’s tour of South Africa, England and Australia. The tour of Zimbabwe last month was a mixed one where he scored 72 as his highest in the ODIs.

In his absence KL Rahul will be the opening partner to Shikhar Dhawan who opens the inning for India.  The 23-year old Rahul, had impressed the selectors with a century in the New Year’s Test in Sydney, was also a part of the Indian squad in the last Test series against Bangladesh, but was later ruled out due to illness.

Murali Vijay played a knock of 150 in his last encounter in the month of June this year, in a Test match against Bangladesh. Sri Lanka has been a force due to Murali at home, but now his absence will be a disappointment for the Indian side.

The team director, Ravi Shastri said that, “The Indian side will play with the best six batsmen, if Pujara fits in he will play, otherwise not.” Also, he has praised wicket-keeper Saha calling him a brilliant batsman.

Murali’s absence will be a drawback for the team, the 31-year old Tamil Nadu batsman has played 32 Test matches for India scoring 2338 runs with the best of 167 runs. Shastri, the Indian team Director has also hinted on playing with two spinners as he said that, “our two off-spinners are two different bowlers”.