Murali Vijay  

Murali Vijay last played for India in the second Test against Australia at Perth in December 2018. The 35-year-old has played 61 Tests, scoring 3,982 runs at an average of 38.28 with a top score of 167

An argument against the proposition of having Ajinkya Rahane opening could be that he hasn't done it in Tests so far. However, what he has done is bat at No 3 and 4, often having to act as a de facto opener, when the team has lost an early wicket

India were off to a forgettable start as both their openers Murali Vijay and KL Rahul were back in the pavilion with just eight runs on the board. Vijay was bowled by Josh Hazlewood for a 12-ball duck while Rahul followed him for just two runs from 17 balls. He too was bowled, by Mitchell Starc. After that, Cheteshwar Pujara (26), captain Virat Kohli (82 not out) and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane (51 not out) ensured that the visitors were in the game

Murali Vijay looked solid throughout the innings on the fourth day and had reached his half century off 91 balls. Thereafter he sped through the second 50 runs, off only 27 balls, getting to three figures off 118 deliveries. He hit 26 runs off Jake Carder (0-41) in one over to race to his hundred

'Basically I am ready (after playing county cricket, tour matches in New Zealand and Australia). I just want to go out there, contribute and give a good start for my team. I have always been aiming at that and nothing is different this time,' Murali Vijay, who was dropped from the Test squad during the England series, said

'We felt that Rohit's nature of play, a very good back-foot player, is suited for Australia. Murali Vijay was dropped from the England series. He went back and he played the county and showed his intent and performed and considering the intensity of the series, we've included him for the Australia series,' MSK Prasad said on Rohit Sharma's selection

England's win at Edgbaston was their first Test win after losing to Pakistan in May, and they will be keen to keep the momentum going