Cheteshwar Pujara was rock solid' against Australia in Ranchi Test: Murali Vijay

Ranchi: India’s opening batsman Murali Vijay refrained from calling his 182-ball knock of 82 runs on day three of the third Test between India and Australia Test, despite the fact that his innings helped India consolidate their position in the match.

Australia had gotten off to a flying start to the Ranchi Test, posting a total of 451 in the first innings. However, India made a good comeback in the game after Ravindra Jadeja took a five-wicket-haul.

When asked about his innings of 82, Vijay steered himself clear of any self-praise, saying that he does not rate his own innings very highly.

“I would not rate it as a good innings, but I fought out there, and that’s what matters at the end of the day,” said to BCCt.tv after stumps on day three of the Ranchi Test.

The India opener also went on to rue the fact that he got out ahead of lunch. He said, “Myself and Pujara had built up a partnership initially, and (if we) would have gone through the first session, it would have been great for me.

“I just wanted to play tight cricket, and that’s exactly what I did. Today I wanted to push myself harder,” said Vijay. “I got hit in the elbow again, so I’ve just got to pace my innings a little carefully, but I played a lose shot in the bargain.

The 32-year-old further went on to praise India top order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, who scored an unbeaten 130.

“Pujara was rock solid today. Hopefully he can put up a good show tomorrow as well,” said Vijay.