Vijay’s ton puts India in a strong position

Indian opener Murali Vijay put Australia to the sword in their Brisbane fortress with a brilliant 144 to help drive the tourists to 311 for four at close on the opening day of the second Test.

The 30-year-old shared an opening partnership of 56 with Shikhar Dhawan, stalled a little in the sweltering heat after lunch and then opened up after reaching his fifth Test century in the final session.

His innings came to an end after five and a half hours when he stepped down the pitch in search of a 23rd boundary and was caught behind off Nathan Lyon, Australia’s off-spinning hero from their 48-run victory in the first Test.

“It was mentally challenging but when you are playing for your country you’ve got to do your stuff to the best of your ability,” Vijay told reporters.

“You can only go close to perfection, I think I did pretty well today.”

Ajinkya Rahane, who shared a 124-run partnership with Vijay, will resume on 75 not out on day two along with Rohit Sharma (26) as India look to inflict a first defeat on Australia at the Gabba since 1988.

It was a tough first day as stand-in Australia skipper for Steve Smith, who lost Mitchell Marsh to a hamstring problem after the all-rounder had claimed his first test victim in Dhawan with the only wicket to fall before lunch.

Debutant paceman Josh Hazlewood was also forced to leave the field midway through his 16th over, having taken his first two Test wickets after lunch.