5 Reasons why Murali Vijay should be first choice opener

#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.