Vijay is not worried about musical chairs for openers

India lead by 107 runs as Vijay and Pujara slam centuries

Nagpur, Nov. 25: Opener Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara hit sublime centuries to put India in command of the second Test against Sri Lanka, as the hosts took a 107run lead on Saturday’s day two.

The overnight batsmen put together a 209-run partnership to pulverise the opposition attack after the hosts started the day on 11-1 in response to Sri Lanka’s 205.

India were 312 for two at stumps in their first innings with Pujara, on 121, and skipper Virat Kohli, on 54, batting to push the visitors out of the game.

Vijay, who made an impressive return to the team after a long injury lay-off, registered his 10th Test ton before falling to Rangana Herath in the final session of play.

The right-handed opener gifted his wicket to the veteran left-arm spinner after mistiming his sweep on a full toss to short fine leg where Dilruwan Perera made no mistake.

Perera had dropped Vijay on 61 at short mid-on off paceman Lahiru Gamage and the spill proved costly for the visitors who managed only one wicket in the day.

Vijay and Pujara made sure India ram home the advantage from day one as they recorded their fifth century stand in their last seven Test innings together. DECCAN CHRONICLE

Vijay, who replaced Shikhar Dhawan in the starting lineup after the left-handed opener pulled out due to personal reasons, hit 11 fours and a six during his 221-ball knock.

Pujara played the sheet anchor’s role to perfection and took control after the fall of his overnight partner to record his 14th Test century.

Pujara, a classical batsman who passed 1,000 Test runs this year, played a sedate knock to frustrate the bowlers on a gruelling day for Sri Lanka on the field.

He also combined with Kohli for an unbeaten 96-run stand, forcing skipper Dinesh Chandimal to continue juggling his bowling options till the end of day.

Kohli hit a 66-ball half-century and had smashed six boundaries so far.

The top-ranked India are looking to go one-up in the three-Test series after the first match ended in a draw in Kolkata. — AFP Sri Lanka (1st innings) 205. India (1st innings): K.L. Rahul b Gamage 7, Murali Vijay c Perera b Herath 128, Cheteshwar Pujara (batting) 121, Virat Kohli (batting) 54. Extras (B-1, LB-1) 2. Total (for 2 wkts in 98 overs) 312. FoW: 1-7, 2-216. Bowling: Lakmal 18-2-58-0, Gamage 22-7-47-1, Herath 24-8-45-1, Shanaka 13-3-43-0, Perera 210-117-0. Nagpur, Nov. 25: His surprise omission from the playing XI on Eden Gardens green top in the first Test against Sri Lanka may have raised eyebrows but opener Murali Vijay has accepted the “difficult situation” of fighting for his spot with multiple contenders and said he is “used to it by now”.

India’s most technically accomplished opener at the moment, Vijay was out of the team due to wrist fracture and made a comeback during the home series against Sri Lanka only to find Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul open the batting at Kolkata.

Both got half-centuries but Dhawan’s personal commitments opened the door for Vijay, who responded with a patient 128 on the second day of the second Test.

“I feel as a professional you should always be ready whether you get a chance or not. You should be ready from inside, eyeing to get a chance. So whenever you get that chance, you are at least not lacking on that aspect (mental preparation). You can be fully aware of what’s happening and what’s going to happen.

“It is difficult but I am used to it by now. I just wanted to contribute whenever I get an opportunity to play for India,” Vijay told mediapersons.

While it has been a case of musical chairs for two opening slots between him, Rahul and Dhawan, Vijay said that he just wants to remain comfortable in his own space.

“I really don’t have to deal as long as I am happy and comfortable in my space. That’s all I want it to be and if I am able to achieve that on a consistent basis, I think I am doing a good job.”

He was the first choice opener in March this year before being relegated to third choice in November, but the Tamil Nadu batsman does not want to look at it from that angle.

“Playing for India is difficult and whoever gets a chance, I wish him luck. I know how difficult it is to be in that space and perform, so whoever gets a chance should perform. That’s all I can say,” he said.

Vijay has had as many as 10 century partnerships (nine in sub-continent) with Cheteshwar Pujara.

Asked about their chemistry, the 33-year-old smiled and replied: “I like batting, so it does not matter who bats at the other end! Pujara also has similar mindset as he likes to dig in deep and scrap it out in situations of varied demands. So hopefully, we can continue to do it for India more number of times.” — PTI