Vijay triumphs over reverse swing

India

Indian opening batsman Murali Vijay basked in successfully combating an England attack that benefited from reverse swing on day one of the first Test at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Wednesday.

Indian opening batsman Murali Vijay basked in successfully combating an England attack that benefited from reverse swing on day one of the first Test at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Wednesday.

Vijay scored an unbeaten 122 in a total of 259 for four, striking 20 fours and a solitary six. His vigil was particularly important after the relatively early departures of fellow opener Shikhar Dhawan and the dangerous Virat Kohli.

"The two halves of the innings were contrasting and that's what Test cricket demands from you. You have to alter your game according to the conditions and situations as much as you do against different bowlers," said Vijay.

"The ball was doing a bit after lunch and they were getting it to reverse. Also, we lost a couple of quick wickets during that phase and I didn't want to play any flashy shots. I just wanted to tire them up. This will be a learning curve for all of us who are coming here for the first time."

The entertaining right-hander was grateful to graduate to three figures, having perished in the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 90s during recent series against New Zealand, South Africa, the West Indies and Australia.

"Until now, I was getting the starts and then getting out. That happened in South Africa as well. I got some 40s during those twin tours and didn't get past them. That is something I want to change here. I want to capitalise on this opportunity," he added.

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