Vijay adds fuel to Jadeja, Anderson fire

Cricket365
July 21, 2014

Batsman Murali Vijay has insisted all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was inspired by an ongoing feud with fast bowler James Anderson, as India assumed command on day four of the second Test against England at Lord's in London on Sunday.

Jadeja blitzed a quickfire half-century in a final total of 342 all out – and verbally antagonised Anderson on occasion before securing the key wicket of opener Sam Robson, as the hosts slipped to 105 for four in pursuit of a tough 319-run target.

"The intent was special. So obviously it is helping us," enthused Vijay. "When he came in I could feel the energy, that he would do something special. The intent was there and from ball one he was positive.

"At that time we needed somebody like that. I was playing the anchor role, and he was trying to get the runs. I just told him, 'let's build a 25-run partnership and take it from there.' We are all pumped up to do something special, from the first guy to the 15th guy.

"We are here to prove a point, we are here to win a game. This game is placed really well. It is going to be a fantastic day on Monday. Whoever plays the best cricket on Monday will win."

Vijay struck a telling 95 on Sunday, sharing crucial partnerships with captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Jadeja. The latter, later, cherished a commanding 99-run alliance alongside aspiring all-rounder Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

"We all believed that because the lower order has been clicking for us. Jadeja played really well, carrying through his aggressive intent. That really helped us. And obviously Bhuvneshwar was hitting the ball. They both put us in a very good position," added Vijay.