Murali Vijay set to take the field for the first time post surgery

Indian opener Murali Vijay is set to return to action as he prepares to play his first competitive match. It will be the batsman’s first match since his comeback from injury when he takes the field for TNCA first division powerhouse Jolly Rovers. Jolly Rovers will face Young Stars in a TNCA first division league match at the SSN College grounds in the outskirts of Chennai.

In an exclusive interview with Times of India, the batsman spoke about his intentions. Vijay will be focusing on spending a long time at the crease and grab a century.

“Yes, I will be playing the match. I’m looking forward to batting. My priority is to stay at the crease as long as possible and maybe score a big hundred as well,” Vijay said.

The injury:

Murali Vijay featured in the India-Australia Test series at home earlier this year in March with a wrist injury. The batsman showed true character and completed the series with the existing problem in his wrist. The batsman decided to undergo surgery right after the conclusion of the series which saw him miss out on the 10^th edition of the IPL.

The recovery:

After the surgery, he progressed towards complete fitness with trainer Rajini in Chennai and went to NCA for medical assessment last month, where he was cleared to take the field again.

Vijay had only four net sessions in the last four moths which had a few basic drills and facing underarm deliveries with tennis balls. Vijay has been named in the Indian squad that is set to face Sri Lanka in a Test series away from home. Before being a part of the series which is scheduled to get underway later this month, Vijay wants to test his physical condition and fitness.

KL Rahul who missed the IPL because of a shoulder injury has also been included in the squad. Along with Vijay and Rahul, the series also marks the return of Rohit Sharma, another player who had recent injury concerns.