Essex County Cricket Club are delighted to announce the signing of Indian batsman, Murali Vijay, until the end of the 2018 Specsavers County Championship campaign.
The 34-year-old will join up with the squad immediately, following Peter Siddle’s return to Australia.
Vijay has played in 57 Test matches for India, averaging 40.70, and has represented Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Daredevils, and King XI Punjab in the IPL. He also opened the batting in the recent Tourist match between Essex and India at The Cloudfm County Ground, scoring 53 runs in the first innings.
As a talented batsman with vast experience of International cricket, Vijay will bring quality and runs to Anthony McGrath’s squad.
Head Coach Anthony McGrath is thrilled to add Vijay to the side and said: “We’re delighted that Murali has chosen to come here, he’s a great batsman who can score runs at the top of the order.
“Vijay’s run-scoring ability means he can be the difference-maker in a game, and that skill is something we were looking to bring in towards the end of the season and something that we’re excited about.
“The campaign is coming to an end and we have some really big games over the next month, so getting someone in with the experience and international quality that Murali possesses could make all the difference for us.”
Vijay is also excited to be heading to Essex for the end of the Specsavers County Championship and said: “I was here with the India side about a month ago and saw first-hand just how good the crowd is.
“I can’t wait to play for Essex and hopefully win some matches.”
Essex’s Overseas signings are in partnership with Seven Investment Management.
