WATCH: Murali Vijay scores half-century on county debut

Vijay, who struggled to get going in the Test series against England, scored 56 off 95 balls, including nine boundaries

After getting ousted from the Indian Test squad following a dismal performance, opener Murali Vijay has finally found some runs on his debut in the county circuit. The 34-year-old batsman from Tamil Nadu made a sedate half-century for Essex in a County Championship Division One match against Nottinghamshire on Monday.

In reply to Nottinghamshire’s 177, Vijay and Nick Browne gave a massive start, adding 56 runs for the first wicket at Trent Bridge. However, the visiting team lost a few wickets after that as Nottinghamshire closed in on their lower-order.

Impressed with our new man today?

A classy 56 for @mvj888 on Day One at Trent Bridge today! #NOTvESS pic.twitter.com/8MNxGc7DLx

— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) September 10, 2018

Vijay, who struggled to get going in the Test series against England, scored 56 off 95 balls, including nine boundaries.

Earlier, Nottinghamshire failed to capitalise on the toss after electing to bat as they were bowled out in 58.1 overs. For Essex, medium pacer Jamie Porter was the most successful bowler, returning figures of 4/50.

In another county match recently, India's left-arm spinner Axar Patel claimed nine wickets for Durham, including seven in an innings.