5 Reasons why Murali Vijay should be first choice opener

Murali Vijay scored a remarkable century against Sri Lanka in the second Test at Nagpur, and sent a timely reminder about his prowess as an opening batsman.

He played out the tough period and negated any threat from the Sri Lankan attack before making merry. Using his wrists and his feet beautifully, he scored 128 off 221 balls.

Vijay was surprisingly dropped from 1st Test, as he was in good touch and already scored 140 runs in Ranji game, before coming into this series. If India need to play well in overseas tours, he holds the key to success.

#5 Experienced opener

Murali Vijay made his Test debut in 2008 against Australia and was the reserve opener after Sehwag and Gambhir. Vijay became regular opener post 2013 when both the openers were dropped due to poor form.

Before 2013, Vijay had just one hundred and 2 half-centuries in 12 Tests. After getting another opportunity in 2013, he scored 2935 runs in 40 Tests at an average of 43.66, with 9 hundreds and 13 half-centuries to his name.

Murali Vijay, along with Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli, have been the three lynch-pins of the Indian batting contingent in Tests, and have played crucial roles in some of the famous Indian victories, both at home and away from home.

#4 Good against the spinners

Vijay plays well against spin and takes attack to them when needed

In the last overseas tours, India had surprisingly struggled against spin where they were expected to dominate. In both England and Australia tours, it was Moeen Ali and Nathan Lyon who created havoc in the Indian batting line-up.

Quality batsmen like Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli have struggled against spin bowling in the past. Only Murali Vijay is one of the few, who plays spin bowling well and uses his feet when required, while his counterpart KL Rahul struggles against the spin.

India's average against spin has slipped to 34.22 since the beginning of 2012. Between 1990 and 2011, they averaged 45 against spin. So if India has to win the overseas tour, then they need someone like Vijay who can tackle the spin threat.

#3 Most Successful Partnerships with Pujara

Murali Vijay And Cheteshwar Pujara have 10 century stands between them

For any team to be successful in overseas conditions, it is important for the top three batsmen to not only build a solid base but also to capitalise on the start. Building big partnerships is inherent in bowling friendly conditions, which in order makes the job easier for the middle order batsmen to follow.

During the second test, Vijay and Pujara had a mammoth partnership of 209 runs. They currently have ten century stands between them, along with three double century partnerships in Tests. The Vijay-Pujara combination has 2740 runs in 38 innings, at an average of 72.10 per partnership.

In overseas condition, the average drops to 48, while in home condition, it is 89. Over the next year or so, they should get several opportunities to add to their century tally overseas.

#2 Strong Technique

Vijay has strong defensive technique which is important for any overseas tour

Murali Vijay is one of the traditional openers, who leaves the ball outside off-stump and plays a patient game until the bowlers tire. This was one of the primary reasons why he was so successful in the English tour, where most of the Indian batsmen struggled to score.

On Vijay's technique during his early days, former Australian captain Allan Border said "His defensive shots are so assured. And he looks comfortable on both front and back foot. And when he attacks, he doesn't go hard at the deliveries. I can see why this young man is playing".

#1 Consistent in overseas conditions

Vijay has scored three hundreds in overseas conditions

Vijay has been one of the most consistent players, when it comes to playing in foreign conditions. He has scored 1548 runs at an average of 36.85 in the overseas conditions and has played crucial knocks in the process.

On Australian soil, Vijay has scored 482 runs in four Tests at an average of 60.25. Apart from this, he was player of the series in the last England last tour, as he scored 402 runs in 5 Tests at an average 40.2.

While the records are impressive in Australia and England, in South Africa, the average drops down below 30, with an aggregate of 176 runs in three Tests. In New Zealand, Vijay has played only 2 Tests with only 48 runs only.

Considering Vijay's form and experience on foreign soil, he should be the automatic choice for the opening slot, ahead of Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul.