‘Didn’t tinker with my technique at Essex’

CHENNAI : Murali Vijay regained his form while playing for Essex after being dropped from India’s Test squad but the opener insists that neither he tinkered with his technique during his County stint nor he played there to reclaim his place.

The Tamil Nadu opener endured a poor run in England, making 20, 6, 0 and 0 in the first two Tests and was dropped. Subsequently he signed up for Essex and scored a ton and three 50s.

There wasn’t any adjustment. It was a great experience because it wasn’t easy. I should thank Essex for having me and giving me an opportunity to play the way I wanted to. We had crucial three matches, and it really motivated me. I could step up and contribute, so I was happy to gain some experience there,” he said.

“I never went to play County to get back into the Indian team. I felt it was important to get some runs and play good cricket. It so happened that I could do well (there) which gave me that extra bit of chance to get back into the side,” Vijay said after Tamil Nadu’s Ranji Trophy opener against Madhya Pradesh in Dindigul.

Vijay said the Indian team management has done well by arranging enough practice games ahead of the Australia Tour, where the team is scheduled to play a four-test series from December 6.

Before that, Indian team will play a three-match Twenty-20 series, beginning November 21 in Brisbane.

“For me it’s a mental game. It’s never been a question of my ability. This time we have planned pretty well. We are going a little early and we are going to get a few practice games as well in Australia before we play the first Test match,” he said.