WATCH: Murali Vijay smashes 26 runs in an over to complete hundred

Murali Vijay smashes 26 runs: The Indian opening batsman announced his comeback in a grand style vs CA XI.

During the fourth day of the ongoing India’s lone practice match of their tour of Australia at Sydney, India opening batsman Murali Vijay scored a century to announce his comeback to the Indian team in a grand style.

The 34-year old right-hand batsman was left out midway during India’s tour of England earlier this year. After strong performances in County cricket, the selectors called him back for the ongoing tour.

While India sent in Prithvi Shaw and Lokesh Rahul as openers in the first innings, it was clear that Vijay wasn’t their first-choice opener. However, an injury ruling out Prithvi Shaw from the first Test yesterday made way for Vijay to open in the second innings of the practice match.

Vijay finally got his opportunity to bat after India fielded in excess of 150 overs in a bid to bowl out the opposition. In which was a sign in the affirmative for India ahead of the first Test (to be played at Adelaide from December 6), Rahul and Vijay stitched a 109-run opening stand.

Rahul, who was criticized by Sanjay Bangar after the first innings for finding new way to get out, scored an impressive 62 (98) with the help of eight fours and a six.

In a bid to present a case for himself, Vijay continued to battle out post Rahul’s dismissal. In which was an innings contrary to his natural style, Vijay smashed 26 runs off one over to complete his century. Watch the full video below:

Vijay ended up scoring 129 (132) with the help of 16 fours and five sixes as the players shook hands after his dismissal. Vijay’s strong show at the top of the order silenced calls for Rohit Sharma to open the innings at Adelaide. Read some of the Twitter reactions on the same below: