Vijay: I could see bowlers sulking out there

India opening batsman Murali Vijay scored his fifth Test century, and fourth against Australia, as India took the honours on the first day of the second Test at the Gabba.
Vijay, who batted for 332 minutes, faced 213 balls and struck 22 boundaries on a tough, hot day in Brisbane, showed the necessary application and patience to cash in on a weary looking Australia bowling attack as India finished the day on 311 for four.
Regarding his success against Australia, the 30 year-old said he looked up to former India greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman who all had joy against the Aussies in the past.
He said: "I always like to play against Australia. When I was a kid, I used to see a lot of knocks played by my seniors, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid in Adelaide and VVS Laxman. Those are the knocks we have seen as youngsters.
"This is the first time I have been playing overseas against Australia. Australia are one of the best teams and getting runs against them always helps you gain confidence in the match as well as a person."
Australia were, for some parts of the day, left with a depleted bowling attack, as Mitchell Marsh, Mitchell Starc and debutant Josh Hazlewood went off the field to receive treatment for various aches and pains.
India, and Vijay, could sense that the Aussies were struggling in the heat, and asked if he was feeling the heat on the field, the opener gave a response that would be sure to fire-up the Australians for day two.
He said: "Today it was really hot and it was testing us all. I could see bowlers sulking out there and I thought a lot of people are getting tired. So I waited at the crease and made good use of it.
"It was more mentally challenging than mentally draining. There were a lot of suffering from the heat but when you are playing for your country, you have got to be equipped for this.
"I have worked hard on my fitness. You have got to do your stuff to the best of your ability."
Latest
-
News
Temba Bavuma and Dean Elgar named Proteas captains
Temba Bavuma is set to lead the Proteas in the 2021 and 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cups as well as the ICC Men’s World Cup in 2023
-
News
Ben Stokes admits England came up well short with the bat again in India
The tourists were skittled for 205 after winning the toss.
-
News
India v England, day 1: England left to rue familiar failings
The tourists surprised many by selecting James Anderson as their only frontline seamer.
-
News
England’s batting woes in India continue on opening day of fourth Test
The tourists were skittled for 205 after winning the toss.
-
News
England batsmen in a spin again as India take control in Ahmedabad
The tourists could not take advantage of winning the toss on the most reliable surface since the series opener.
-
News
England on uneasy ground at tea in fourth Test
The fourth Test was delicately poised after two sessions.
-
News
Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes steady England after early losses
England unveiled a surprising team selection for the fourth Test.
-
News
Kieron Pollard hits six sixes in an over in West Indies’ T20 win over Sri Lanka
The Trinidadian shares the achievement with former India batsman Yuvraj Singh.
-
News
Paul Collingwood expects James Anderson and Stuart Broad to excel in the Ashes
Anderson and Broad’s combined age at the start of that series will be 74.
-
News
New Zealand stars Devon Conway and Martin Guptill move up in T20I Rankings
Stoinis, Southee, Santner and Sodhi among others to advance in men’s weekly update after first two matches of New Zealand-Australia series.