The Only Way Is Up For Vijay After Essex Stint
The Cricket Paper|September 28,2018

MURALI Vijay has pushed getting back into Indias Test team to the back of his mind and it appears to be working.

Charlie Talbot-Smith
The Only Way Is Up For Vijay After Essex Stint

The 34-year-old has found some fine form as he finishes the season in the first Division of the County Championship with Essex.

The right-hander struck one century and three half centuries in his first four innings to help the county cement a third-place finish in the table.

That’s a far cry from the man who looked so bereft of confidence at the start of the summer with India. Vijay was dropped from the Test side after just two Tests of the series with England – the final straw a pair at Lord’s that saw James Anderson clean bowl him in the first innings and get him nicking off in the second.

But with a ton against Nottinghamshire and half centuries against both Worcestershire and the newly crowned champions Surrey – Vijay looks to be back in form.

“I am not thinking so far ahead to be honest, I am here to play county cricket and enjoying the stint here,” he said.

“Hopefully I can contribute more for Essex and we can finish the season on a high.

“India is definitely in the back of my mind, but all I can do is perform whenever I get an opportunity and be positive in my outlook.

This story is from the September 28,2018 edition of The Cricket Paper.

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This story is from the September 28,2018 edition of The Cricket Paper.

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