Brushing off any disappointment from being dropped midway through the England Test series, India opener Murali Vijay said Saturday he will fancy his chances on the bouncier Australian wickets, which favour his backfoot game.
The four-day tour game ended in a draw as India scored 211 for two in their second innings in reply to Cricket Australia XI's 544. Vijay scored 129 off 132 balls, racing from 52 to the three-figure mark in the space of 27 balls, including taking 26 runs off one over.
"It was good to get some practice hitting over the boundary. I just took my chances and it came my way. I know opportunities are round the corner and wanted to be in a positive frame of mind.
"I have been working hard on my game and fitness, and I am looking forward to contributing in this series. Hopefully I can do that," Vijay said.
Vijay added 109 runs with K L Rahul, who scored a fluent 62, and belied the dressing room's concerns over the opening combination after youngster Prithvi Shaw was injured while fielding on day three.
"Basically I am ready (after playing county cricket, tour matches in New Zealand and Australia). I just want to go out there, contribute and give a good start for my team.
"I have always been aiming at that and nothing is different this time."
"It always feels good to go to grounds where you have scored runs as it helps you a lot and I have good memories of it."
"Playing in Australia suits my game because I am a batsman who likes to play on the backfoot. Australia is the one place you get the bounce so you can play your shots coming from India and exploring shots that you have kept in your kit. I can get them out."
"You have to work and find ways to work things out. If you are not part of the team, you have to make sure you keep your work ethics at the top level and once you get the chance you have to be ready to go. That was my basic fundamental after being dropped in England until now."
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