As reported by sources, Natarajan can be the likely replacement for Umesh Yadav for the upcoming third Test at Sydney. Yadav suffered a calf injury in his bowling stride on the third day of the Melbourne Test. The latter could not appear on the field for of the day.
However, a significant concern for team India on tour is the injury issues of their players. The pacers are especially have been sustaining injury since the beginning of the tour. Firstly it was Shami, and now it is Umesh Yadav who is not going to be a part of the squad. As per the reports, Yadav will not play the third Test after his latest scans.
T. Natarajan is also in Australia with the squad as a net bowler for the Test series. Talking about his remarkable T20I performance, he could get the Test cap.
T. Natarajan impressed in white-ball series against Australia
The left-arm seamer had finally made it to the Indian team for the Australia tour after an imposing outing in the 2020 IPL. The 29-year-old played one ODI against Australia where he grabbed two wickets and gave away 70 runs. India won the last ODI encounter against Australia.
It was the shortest format of the game where Natarajan revealed his true capabilities. The left-arm pacer impressed everyone with his outstanding performance. In 3 matches, the bowler picked six wickets at an economy of 6.92.
Is T. Natarajan going to make his debut in the 3rd Test?
Saini will be the first preference to replace Umesh Yadav for the third Test. However, if the Indian team management wants to bring some variation to their attack by adding a left-arm bowler, they can undoubtedly consider Natarajan. It will be interesting to see who would be India's third seamer in Sydney's upcoming match.
The visitors have won the Boxing Day Test match with eight wickets t. This was one memorable win as India came back stronger after their sour memories of the Adelaide Test. There were fewer chances for the visitors as they were without their leading players like captain Virat Kohli, pacer Mohammad Shami, and Ishant Sharma.
However, Rahane, who was handed over the captaincy reins, led the team like an ultimate hero. He was also named as the player of the match for his remarkable century in the first inning. He finished things in style in 2nd innings as well.