IND vs AUS 3rd Test: T Natarajan likely replacement for injured Umesh Yadav

Tamil Nadu born left-arm pacer T Natarajan is most likely to replace injured seamer Umesh Yadav for the next Test against Australia at Sydney. Umesh Yadav injured himself on the third day of the second Test match. As per reports, T Natarajan who impressed everyone in the limited-overs series is expected to break into the squad as a cover for Umesh.

Umesh Yadav unavailable for the third Test

Umesh limped off the field during the third day of the Boxing Day Test match in Melbourne. He looked in deep pain and never bowled in that match after that. He was taken for the scans by the medical team, who later confirmed that he won’t be able to participate in the third Test at Sydney.

“Umesh Yadav complained of pain in his calf while bowling his 4th over and was assessed by the BCCI medical team. He is being taken for scans now,” the BCCI had informed in a media update.

“His scans have come in and he will miss the third Test as well. He will now look at making a return for the last game of the series as we have more than two weeks to go before we play the final game from January 15,” the source said.

After he was taken off the field, both Siraj and Bumrah bowled the bulk of the overs in tandem to make up for Umesh’s lost overs.

T Natarajan to replace Umesh Yadav?

Navdeep Saini is the most likely option to replace Umesh Yadav for the third Test. But if the reports coming in are to be believed T Natarajan, who impressed in the limited-overs series may also get a look in if the team management wants to go with variety.

We have seen him bowl with a lot of success in the @IPL and here is @Natarajan_91 bowling in the #TeamIndia nets for the first time after his maiden India call-up! A dream come true moment. ? pic.twitter.com/WqrPI0Ab7I

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 15, 2020

“With limited options available, the team management can ask for Natarajan to be added to the squad,” the source said.

Natarajan was impressive in the limited-overs series that concluded a few weeks before. He played just one ODI against Australia and picked up figures of 2-70 in a game that India won. In the T20I series, he played all 3 games and picked up six wickets, and bowled with an economy of 6.92.

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