Murali Vijay is all set to play the rest of County Championship this year. He has been signed by Somerset for the final three Specsavers County Championship matches of the season.
Vijay gets a County call
The club has announced the news on their website and said Vijay will be joining them as an overseas player. “Somerset County Cricket Club are pleased to be able to announce that Murali Vijay will be joining the Club as our overseas player for the final three Specsavers County Championship matches of the season,”
Pakistan’s batsman Azhar Ali who had to go back to fulfil his national duties earlier this month will be replaced by the Indian batter. Vijay has 3982 runs in 61 Tests so far at an average of 38.28. His highest Test knock was 167 against Australia in 2013 Hyderabad Test. He has till now played 131 First-Class matches and scored 9116 runs at an average of 42.79 with a top score of 266.
Who says what
Somerset CCC Director of Cricket Andy Hurry has said, “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.” Vijay played three County Championship matches for Essex in the last edition and managed to accumulate 320 runs at an average of 64.60. According to Hurry Vijay’s experience of playing for Essex in English condition was taken into consideration during this decision. “He has experience of English conditions, having played in the Championship for Essex last year, and that was extremely important to us when it came to selecting a replacement for Azhar.”
On the other hand, Murali Vijay has opined that he will try to help Somerset to fulfil their achievement.”I am excited about the challenge of trying to help Somerset push for the County Championship. Somerset have an excellent reputation and I am looking forward to being a part of what they are trying to achieve.”
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