Murali Vijay has all but ensured he will return to the Indian Test top order after a blistering century against a Cricket Australia XI at the SCG.
With a chance to replace injured opener Prithvi Shaw up for grabs, Vijay grabbed his opportunity with both hands as the tour match at the SCG ended in a draw on Saturday.
The right-hander blasted 129 off 132 balls and he now looks set to partner KL Rahul (62) at the top of the order for the first Test in Adelaide next week.
The 34-year-old accelerated sensationally in the final session, going from 50 to 100 in the space of 27 balls.
Vijay brought up his ton in spectacular fashion, tonking part-timer Jake Carder for five boundaries, including two sixes, in one over to go from 74 to 100 in the space of six balls.
"It was good fun to get some practise hitting over the boundary," Vijay said.
"I just took my chances and it came off.
"I know the opportunity was around the corner and I just wanted to be in that positive frame of mind."
He sent the small but fervent band of Indian fans on hand at the SCG into raptures as he smashed Carder to the mid-wicket boundary to bring up his century late on day four.
Allrounder Hanuma Vihari was also given time in the middle on the final day, finishing 15 not out as India ended at 2-211.
Vihari was a chance to come into the line-up at No.6, with the Indians toying with the idea of pushing limited overs opener Rohit Sharma up the order.
However Vijay starred by stroking 16 boundaries and five sixes before he was bowled by Daniel Fallins.
Shaw will miss at least the first Test after suffering an ankle injury during India's only warm-up match.
"Basically I'm ready," Vijay said.
"I just wanted to go out there and contribute and give a good start for my team. There was nothing different this time. It's an interesting series for us and hopefully we can start really well."
India finished with a lead of 25 after the CA XI tail wagged long and hard with wicketkeeper batsman Harry Nielsen hitting a classy century to carry the hosts to 544.
Nielsen top scored with 100 from 170 balls while D'Arcy Short, Aaron Hardie and Max Bryant also brought up half centuries as the CA XI claimed an unexpected 186-run first-innings lead.
Share
