It looks like India’s Test opener Murali Vijay has added few weapons to his bowling armory as he has been making a huge mark with his off-spins in the ongoing Duleep Trophy-opener between India Red and India Green at Lucknow’s Ekana International Cricket Stadium.
Batting first India Red were cruising at one stage and were looking primed to post a daunting total when they reached 158 for 1 with Priyank Panchal and Ishank Jaggi’s partnership looking inseparable. However, the much-needed breakthrough for India Green came from an unlikely source when Murali Vijay dismissed Jaggi. India Red then kept on losing wickets at regular intervals as they were bowled out for 323 with Vijay being the standout bowler with figures of 3 for 46.
Vijay, however, failed to make a mark with the bat. The Indian star, who missed the recently-concluded series against Sri Lanka due to a wrist injury, was dismissed by Karn Sharma for just four as India Green were bowled out for a paltry 157.
Meanwhile, Vijay made his mark with the ball again in the second innings. With a massive 166-run lead already in India Red’s bag, India Green needed an early breakthrough to claw their way back into the game, and Vijay once again stepped up to the occasion, dismissing first-innings half-centurion Sudip Chatterjee for just 7. India Red finished day two on 19 for 1 with their overall lead extended to a massive 185.
Vijay has not played for India since injuring his wrist during the Border-Gavaskar series in March. He was included in the squad for the Sri Lanka series but pulled out at the last moment after the injury resurfaced. Before the injury, he starred with the bat during India’s long home season, finishing the season as India’s third highest run-scorer with 771 runs at an average of 36.71 with the help of three fifties and as many centuries. He is likely to play for India again when Sri Lanka visit the country in November for a full-fledged series.