Challenging for opening batsmen to play on fast and bouncy South African tracks, says Vijay

TEAM INDIA is all set to get into the first Test of the three-match series at Cape Town on January 5. India batsman Murali Vijay believes that his side had perfect practice sessions ahead of the big game.

In a video uploaded by Bcci.tv, Vijay divulged that his men are looking forward to the challenge that the hosts are going to offer. 

“The practice sessions have been perfect for us so far. Everybody knows what they need to do. The individuals know what exactly are the areas they need to work on. Everybody in our dressing room is looking forward to the first day of play.”

The Tamil Nadu-lad said that his side will need to be mentally prepared to adapt to the different surface.

“We got some pretty good net sessions and some pretty good wickets as well. So, we are used to it. It is more of mind games than physical touch. You have to be mentally prepared to match conditions because in the match it will be entirely different from whatever you replicate outside. We will be up for it.”

Like most of the players in the squad, Vijay too has traveled South Africa in the past. However, he has played just one Test in his two tours. Speaking about his experience, Vijay reckoned that it is challenging for opening batsmen to play on the bouncy and quick tracks.

“I have been here a couple of times. Once I got to play the Test match, it was pretty challenging as an opening batsman. As you know the bounce and seam movement in these conditions is something really exciting for openers to go out there and perform. It is difficult but at the same time you learn a lot of things. If you have some x factor in your game, you can use when you get into a situation like that next time.”

The 33-year-old added that he wants to deliver his A-game confidently.

“I am preparing myself to be a little more open than how I was last time. I just want to go out there and whatever is thrown at me, I just want to play my A game and do well for my country. I just want to prepare myself and be in a confident state of mind, which I am at the moment, which is good for me and the team.”
 

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