Murali Vijay becomes only the fifth specialist Indian opener to play 50 Tests

It was indeed a landmark moment in Indian opener Murali Vijay's test career as he became only the fifth specialist opener from India to play 50th Test when he took to the field against the Australians in the Ranchi Test on Thursday.

Vijay is only the fifth specialist opener after Sunil Gavaskar (125), Virender Sehwag (103), Gautam Gambhir (58) and Navjot Singh Sidhu (51) to reach that landmark.

After the formidable pair of Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir faded away from international cricket, Murali Vijay has been India's pillar of strength at the very top of the innings, that too in a period when India struggled for a settled opening combination.

He has given the Indian side a sense of assurance by giving them solid platforms to build on both while playing at home or weathering hostile bowling conditions abroad. The Tamil Nadu batsman is adept with both attack and defence and has been prolific in scoring runs at top of the order.

Speaking about his landmark Test, Vijay said “It is a great feeling to be honest. I never thought I would play so many Test matches for India,” Vijay told bcci.tv. “It has been a great journey and I would like to thank the TNCA and Chemplast - my club team - for the immense support throughout my journey so far. It has been great and I have enjoyed every bit of it.

It was a great moment when I got into the team. I never thought once that I didn’t belong here,” he said, recollecting his journey with a lot of fondness.

“Every moment has been priceless. I remember everything about my matches till date - right from the time I walked into the Indian dressing room to now and each moment has been close to me.

It has just pushed me to do better each time I get an opportunity to represent my country. The journey has been amazing and I can’t put it across in words. I am living my dream.”