Indian batsman Murali Vijay has been roped in by the Essex County Cricket Club for the remaining season of the 2018 English county championship, according to the official BCCI statement.
Expressing delight over his inclusion in the club, the 34-year-old said that he could not wait to play for Essex and is hoping to win some matches for the team.
“I was here with the India side about a month ago and saw first-hand just how good the crowd is. I can’t wait to play for Essex and hopefully win some matches,” Vijay said.
The 34-year-old was dropped from India’s squad for the last two Tests against England at Southampton and The Oval after a string of poor performances.
During the first Test at Edgbaston, Vijay made 20 and 6 – lbw to left-arm quick Sam Curran in the first innings and lbw to Stuart Broad when not offering a shot. At Lord’s, his Test career hit a nadir. He was out for zero in both innings, both times to James Anderson.
India’s next Test assignment is three Test matches against West Indies at home in October, but the big picture is four Tests in Australia starting December 6 adn vijay will be hoping to get some form back with this County stint and get back in the team
With three matches to go, Essex are placed fourth in the points tally in the County Championship Division One table. Vijay is set to join the likes of Alastair Cook, Ravi Bopara, Ryan Ten Doeschate and Neil Wagner in the Essex setup
Essex Head Coach Anthony McGrath is thrilled to add Vijay to the side. “We’re delighted that Vijay has chosen to come here. He’s a great batsman who can score runs at the top of the order.
“Vijay’s run-scoring ability means he can be the difference-maker in a game, and that skill is something we were looking to bring in towards the end of the season and something that we’re excited about.
“The campaign is coming to an end and we have some really big games over the next month, so getting someone in with the experience and international quality that Vijay possesses could make all the difference for us,” he said.
Vijay will be joined by Australian fast bowler Peter Siddle who has also signed a two-year contract with Essex.
(With Agency Inputs)
