Murali Vijay cemented his place as one of the opening batsmen for the first Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval with an impressive century in the practice match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Thanks to Vijay’s ton, India secured a draw against Cricket Australia XI in a warm-up match. India began their second innings trailing by 186 runs. At the close of play on day four, India were 211 for two with Vijay dismissed on 129 off 132 balls while Hanuma Vihari finished unbeaten on 15. Rohit Sharma or KL Rahul, Who Should India Pick in Playing XI as an Opener for the First Test vs Australia

Vijay and KL Rahul shared 109-run stand for the opening wicket. Rahul, who is under pressure following his poor run, scored 62 runs to gain some confidence. After Rahul’s dismissal, Vijay kept going strong. The right-handed batsman competed his half-centuries off 91 balls and then upped the ante to score his century. Vijay’s second fifty came off just 27 balls as he made a statement ahead of the first Test.

The 34-year-old was eventually dismissed off Daniel Fallins’ bowling in the 44th over. Vijay’s stay included 16 fours and five sixes. In the first innings of the practice match, Vijay was not sent out to bat. Prithvi Shaw Injury Update: 19-Year-Old Ruled Out of India's 1st Test Against Australia at Adelaide, Confirms BCCI

The practice match between India and Cricket Australia XI was cut short to three days from four after rain washed out the entire opening day’s play. India on day two were put to bat and the visitors replied with 358 in their first innings with Prithvi Shaw, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and Hanuma Vihari scoring half-centuries each.

CA XI then posted 544 runs and secured a massive first innings lead. Mohammed Shami picked three wickets for India as the home side dominated the Indian bowling. The first Test between India and Australia now starts on December 06.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 01, 2018 01:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).