We still have a chance: Murali Vijay

Team India failed to take the lead in the first innings of the Rajkot Test. Indian opener Murali Vijay is still optimistic about India’s chances of winning the match. Things went worse for India after they were bowled out for 488. They failed to pick a single wicket in the last session on day 4. England openers piled up 114 runs in 37 overs to take full control of the game. Talking about the match situation in the press, Vijay quoted that there is still a lot left in the match.

He pointed that the wicket got slower now and has started assisting the spinners more now. Adding further to it, he said that a few wickets in the morning session tomorrow can get India right back into the game. “It’s a pretty good wicket, (it has) gone slower. There’s a lot of assistance to the spinners now. Hopefully, we can put some pressure in the morning session get some wickets and you never know,” quoted Murali Vijay.

He went on to say that India still has an edge. If the target is anywhere close to 200 with a session in hand, he indicated that India will go for the chase. “Definitely, we have the edge. We have got closer to their target. We still have a chance, you never know. If in the morning session we get 3-4 quick wickets, in the last session we can score 200 runs and go for it. A very interesting game is there (on last day),” remarked Vijay.

Asked whether India is thinking more about what England is doing, he rubbished all such claims. He said the team knows that it has to focus of taking wickets and they are focusing on the same. “I am not thinking anything like that as long as we take wickets. That’s our main aim rather than waiting for what England will do. We could have gone ahead of them; ifs and buts are there, but it’s been very good (batting performance),” cited the Indian opener.

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Vijay also commended the way Wriddhiman Saha and R Ashwin batted sensibly down the order. Remarking their partnership as crucial, Vijay had his word of praise for the duo. “It was definitely crucial. They have been doing this job for a while now. Good to see Saha and Ashwin putting up a vital partnership. Every time we have been in tricky situation they have got us out,” cited Vijay.

Speaking about his own plans while batting, he said the intention was not to allow the spinners settle in. He added 209 runs for the 2nd wicket in the first innings with Cheteshwar Pujara. He added that they both had faith in their abilities and that worked for them really well.

“They are pretty good bowlers, that’s why they are in the team. Obviously, we have got to give them due respect. At the same time we have to be confident in our skill sets and execute that at a level where we are comfortable, not allowing them to settle in line and length. That was the key for us. Myself and Pujara were trying to execute that while batting,” he said.

Murali Vijay also praised young Haseeb Hameed who made his debut for England in the match. He quoted Hameed to be a calm head and a very good potential for English cricket. Hameed struck an unbeaten fifty in the second innings on day 4. “Pretty good talent, saw a calm head. These are good signs for a cricketer. He (Hameed) has a bright future,” he said.