Australia vs India 2018-19: 3 reasons why Murali Vijay should not be dropped after Adelaide Test

Before the first Test began at Adelaide, a lot was expected from Murali Vijay given his past performances in Australia. But once again he failed to build a substantial innings after a decent start in both outings. Getting out to Mitchell Starc in both innings, the opener could only manage scores of 11 and 18.

With Prithvi Shaw's recovery from injury going on track, the team management might be tempted to bring him into the playing eleven at Perth or even push Rohit Sharma to open the batting and accommodate Hanuma Vihari in the middle-order.

Every cricketer goes through a rough patch. Vijay's current lean phase has come at a wrong phase of his career as he is already 34 and many young batsmen are waiting in the wings. He was dropped midway through the England tour but quickly made a return to the team following his impressive exploits in the county season for Essex.

Vijay may be facing the axe after failing to deliver in Adelaide. However, in this segment, let us take a look at three reasons why India should persisted with the senior opener for the next Test match at Perth.

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#3 Impressive past record in Australia

During the 2014/15 season, Vijay was termed the best and probably the most dependable batsman for India in overseas conditions. He proved his worth in difficult tours such as South Africa, Australia and England apart from playing well at home. The right-hander soon established himself as one of the premier openers in the world.

Vijay remodeled his game to a large extent that he was being coined as a Test specialist. He curbed his attacking instincts splendidly in order to become a successful opener for India. His performance in the tour of Australia in 2014/15 showed his mettle. From four matches, he scored 482 runs at an impresive average of 60.25 with one century and four fifties.

There were signs of him rediscovering his old self during India's second innings but he ended up gifting his wicket while attempting a rash drive.

#2 Vast experience in different conditions

Prithvi Shaw has the ability to destroy any attack but is inexperienced

With KL Rahul struggling for runs in recent times, dropping Vijay after the Adelaide Test would be a bit too harsh and risky. Considering Prithvi Shaw has only played just 2 Tests thus far, there is a thought that he may be too inexperienced to face the challenge of the complete Australian bowling attack.

Hence, Vijay should be given another chance at Perth. With the new stadium posing an unknown challenge, his experience could come in handy. He has a good track record in Australia and that can count in the crunch situations.

#1 Ability to give steady starts

Murali Vijay has a solid technique

With KL Rahul looking to go all guns blazing right from the start, Vijay could be a perfect partner at the other end and could steady the ship. A suggestion that Parthiv Patel could open has been put forth if Shaw is not fit enough for the second Test. But the wicket-keeper batsman is not as technically strong as Vijay.

Vijay has a solid technique and is capable of playing in different types of situations. If he overcomes his mental block, the right-hander has the ability to play long innings and set a steady platform for the middle-order.