IND v AFG: Murali Vijay racks unique record on Day 1 of the Historic Test

Murali Vijay has been one of India’s most dependable batsmen in Tests over the years. He had the privilege of taking part in the historic Test match which got underway today between India and Afghanistan at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. Yet another time, he stood up to the occasion and notched a superlative knock of 105 runs from 153 balls.

During the knock, he displayed a composed temperament and took calculative risks. He was eventually dismissed by Wafadar when the fast-bowler trapped the right-hander plumb in front of the stumps. En route his masterclass, he accomplished a unique record. With his 12th century, the Tamil Nadu-cricketer accumulated the most number of tons with none in the second innings.

He equalled former English cricketers Tom Graveney and A Prince. Vijay has 12 such knocks under his belt. The batsman’s highest second-innings score is 99 versus Australia at the Adelaide Oval back in 2014. Meanwhile, his run-churning spree made sure that the home team ends the day with a rather respectable score of 347 runs for the loss of six wickets.

India dominates, but Afghans come back strong

He commenced the knock with Shikhar Dhawan as his partner. The left-hander looked in ominous touch and creamed the inexperienced Afghan bowling with sheer ease. Dhawan was dominant in his approach and plundered 107 runs in 96 balls at more than a run-a-ball. Their opening stand of 168 runs took India to a commanding position in the first half of the day.

However, the visitors made a stupendous comeback and jolted Ajinkya Rahane’s men with some late strikes in the day. Rashid Khan looked lacklustre in the first two sessions but made a statement moments before the close of play. Rain played a deterrent for quite a while, but some relentless pieces of work by the groundsmen ensured that 78 overs were churned out on Day 1.

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