India's Vijay joins Essex
Vijay played India's first two Tests on their current tour of England, but was dropped.
LONDON (AFP) - India batsman Murali Vijay has agreed to join Essex for the rest of the English side s County Championship campaign.
Vijay played India s first two Tests on their current tour of England, but was dropped after struggling in their heavy defeat at Lord s.
The 34-year-old opener was twice dismissed without scoring in that match, but caught Essex s attention with a half-century against his new club during a tour match in July.
Vijay joins Essex as a replacement overseas player following the exit of Australian seamer Peter Siddle.
Essex have three games left in the County Championship s First Division and are currently in fourth place.
"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," Essex head Coach Anthony McGrath said.
"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."
Vijay added: "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."
