Brushing off the disappointment after being dropped midway through the Test tour of England, India opener Murali Vijay said he will fancy his chances on the bouncier Australian wickets, which favour his backfoot game.

“It was good to get some practice. I just took my chances and it came my way. I know opportunities are round the corner and wanted to be in a positive frame of mind. I have been working hard on my game and fitness, and I am looking forward to contributing in this series. Hopefully I can do that,” Vijay said at the end of the practice match against a Cricket Australia XI.

Vijay added 109 runs with KL Rahul, who scored a fluent 62, and belied the dressing room’s concerns over the opening combination after youngster Prithvi Shaw was injured. “Basically I am ready after playing county cricket, tour matches in New Zealand and Australia. I just want to go out there, contribute and give a good start for my team. I have always been aiming at that and there is nothing is different this time,” he said.