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When Murali Vijay, the former Indian cricket opener, announced his retirement from international cricket, it stirred a combination of feelings among cricket enthusiasts. While many celebrated the memorable Murali Vijay Test career, a few expressed disappointment over the lack of an official notice of gratitude from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Vijay's contribution to Indian cricket is undeniably big, with 61 Test matches under his belt and a few extraordinary foreign places centuries, especially for the duration of India's tours to England and Australia in 2014.
One of the defining capabilities of Murali Vijay’s Test career was his ability to excel in hard situations, which earned him accolades and admiration. During the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he even engaged in a public confrontation with former cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar. Manjrekar expressed surprise at Vijay's conversion rate in Tests performed in India, to which Murali Vijay responded firmly.
Murali Vijay's stats showcase an extraordinary 60% conversion rate of fifty or more in Tests, rating him at the top of the list amongst Indians with at least ten such innings. This amazing report covered six fifties and 9 centuries that were scored on home soil.
In the event of his retirement, Murali Vijay’s Test legacy of being an opener stands tall. He is remembered as one of the greatest commencing batsmen to have represented India in the Test layout. His overseas centuries, particularly the ones completed throughout India's excursions to England and Australia in 2014, were a testament to his talent and determination. These centuries came in challenging situations in which his method and temperament shone brightly.
Vijay playing two First-Class matches simultaneously holds a unique place in the cricket world. In 2008, when Murali Vijay’s Test debut came about against Australia in Nagpur, he hardly ever imagined turning into one of the few players in the world to play First-Class suits concurrently, despite them being held in extraordinary parts of the nation.
In November 2008, Murali Vijay discovered himself amid a remarkable feat. He represented Tamil Nadu in a Ranji Trophy match against Maharashtra in Nasik. In that match, Murali Vijay scored a dazzling 243 runs, forming a vast partnership of 462 runs alongside Abhinav Mukund, who went on to score a triple century.
However, on the second day of that Ranji Trophy, Murali Vijay received a call from the BCCI that changed the path of his cricketing adventure. The BCCI informed him that he was included in the Indian cricket squad for the ongoing home Test series against Australia.
This opportunity arose as Gautam Gambhir, the outlet batsman, had acquired a match ban following an altercation with Shane Watson.
With the very last Test of the home series scheduled to take place in Nagpur from November 6 onwards, Murali Vijay turned in his Test debut cap. He walked out to bat, going against Australia within the first innings, and scored 33 runs off fifty three deliveries on the opening day.
Coincidentally, in Nasik, the 4-day Ranji Trophy concluded on November 6, finishing in a draw.
This unique episode marked Murali Vijay as the only player to have formally participated in two First-Class matches simultaneously, showcasing his high-quality journey and dedication to the game.
In conclusion, even as Murali Vijay's retirement inspires recollections of his great Test career, it is well worth celebrating the lesser-acknowledged feats in his cricketing journey that highlight his commitment and the excellent nature of the sport.
FAQs
What is Murali Vijay's most amazing feat in Test cricket?
Murali Vijay's overseas centuries throughout India's 2014 tours to England and Australia are among his most notable achievements.
Why did Murali Vijay interact in a public confrontation with Sanjay Manjrekar?
Sanjay Manjrekar expressed surprise at Vijay's Test conversion rate in India, and Vijay responded to make his stance clear.
What precise cricketing feat did Murali Vijay obtain in his career?
Murali Vijay played two First-Class matches simultaneously, an unprecedented accomplishment in the cricketing world.
