# 3 Murali Vijay
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Murali Vijay provides a much-needed sting in the Indian batting order. The Tamil Nadu batsman provides tremendous solidity as an opener. Vijay too is technically quite strong and has the technique and footwork that can withstand a potent bowling line up like Australia in Australian conditions. Vijay has got this unique ability to accelerate the scoring by using his feet against the spinners which can break their rhythm.
Vijay’s strength also lies in handling seaming deliveries early on in the innings when the ball is new. Looks uncomfortable while playing short deliveries which the South African bowlers might use against him. Mitchell Starc & co might try to unsettle him by bowling him with some out-swingers during overcast conditions which 'the 33-year-old' has found tough to handle. Vijay is a tough character and has got the temperament to play a big inning once he sets his eye in.
Murali Vijay will open after his impressive performance in the recent warm-up match. The Tamil Nadu batsman hasn’t been in the best of forms this year but the 33-year-old will be eager to prove his worth. In the 2014-15 tour to Australia Vijay produced some superlative performances including his 144 in the first innings of the second test in Brisbane.
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