Somerset has taken the services of out of favor Indian opener Murali Vijay for three County matches as an overseas player, the team announced on Sunday. Murali Vijay will replace Pakistan’s batsman Azhar Ali who has been recalled for national duties earlier this month.
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Subsequently, Murali Vijay shared his delight after he was signed by the County. The Tamil Nadu batsman stated that he is looking forward to playing for Somerset and help them push for County Championship. Vijay is in good form in the T20 version and would like to take the same form in red-ball format.
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Vijay would like to grab his opportunity.
“I am excited about the challenge of trying to help Somerset push for the County Championship,” Vijay said about the signing. “Somerset have an excellent reputation and I am looking forward to being a part of what they are trying to achieve.”
Meanwhile, Murali Vijay is one of the most technically correct batsmen. The right-hander has played 61 Test matches for the India National Cricket team. The stylish right-hander has scored 3982 runs at an average of 38.28. He was part of the Indian team from 2008 to 2018.
The poor form had led to Vijay’s ouster from the Indian team.
However, he could not deliver consistent performances for the Indian team. Thus, he was shown the exit doors after India’s tour to England in 2018. Vijay would like to get back his confidence in the longest format of the game.
Andy Hurry, the Director of Somerset County also shared his delight after signing Vijay for three matches.
“We are delighted to have been able to secure the services of such a high-quality player for the remainder of the County Championship. To have signed a player of his class and ability at this stage of the season is a real coup.
“He has experience of English conditions, having played in the Championship for Essex last year. That was extremely important to us when it came to selecting a replacement for Azhar.”
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Somerset is currently at second place in the points table with 186 points. The club has won eight matches out of the 11 they have played. Murali Vijay had scored three fifties and one century when he had played for Essex in the previous season of County Championship.
