India vs Australia: Reports suggest Shardul Thakur might get the nod over T Natarajan for Sydney Test
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T Natarajan and Shardul Thakur
India suffered a huge blow following an emphatic victory in the Boxing Day Test. Reports suggest that Umesh Yadav, who limped off the field at the MCG has been ruled out of the remainder of the series. Umesh looked to be in a lot of pain as he left the field in the middle of his fourth over in the second innings not to return again. Scans later revealed that the pacer has picked up a calf injury and has reportedly flown back home for rehabilitation.
This creates a huge void in the side and limited over sensation T Natarajan is taunted to be Umesh’s replacement for the third Test. But recent reports by the PTI suggests that Natarajan’s Test debut will have to wait as Shardul Thakur is in line to get the nod over him. A source asserts that Shardul’s abundant first-class experience is what puts him above the left-arm quick in the pecking order. Shardul boasts of 206 wickets in 62 first-class games so far.
“While people are excited about the brilliant progress shown by T Natarajan, we mustn’t forget he has played only one first-class match for Tamil Nadu. And Shardul has been a seasoned domestic red ball pacer for Mumbai,” a BCCI source privy to developments in Australia told PTI.
He has been shaping up well
Shardul had a disastrous Test debut in 2018 against the West Indies where he bowled mere 10 balls before leaving the field with an injury. But ever since, the right arm quick has improved leaps and bounds as a bowler. And the team management is all but set to give him another shot in the longest format. While the final decision is yet to be made, Shardul’s batting prowess might be yet another spect which tilts the balance to his side.
India’s tail has struggled to contribute with the bat in the series so far and Shardul could provide some much-needed solidity. He has six first-class half-centuries and during his stint with the national team in white-ball games, he has proved to be a decent batsman.
“Shardul was really unfortunate that his Test debut against West Indies ended abruptly due to injury even before he could bowl an over. He has been shaping up well and might replace Umesh in the playing XI,” the source added.
“Obviously the next few training sessions will be important and that’s why the final call is likely to be taken in Sydney.”
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