India vs Australia: Umesh Yadav flies back following scans, T Natarajan likely to be added to Test squad


India vs Australia: Umesh Yadav flies back following scans, T Natarajan likely to be added to Test squad

Umesh Yadav limps off the field

Umesh Yadav limps off the field
Umesh Yadav limps off the field

After a clinical victory in the Boxing Day Test, India has suffered yet another huge blow in the pace bowling department. An ANI report suggests that veteran quick Umesh Yadav has been ruled out of the remainder of the series. And has flown home after scans in Melbourne. Umesh limped off the field in the middle of his fourth over of the second innings complaining of tearing pain in the calf muscle.

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A source shares that Umesh will now be nursing his injury at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). And will gear up for the home series against England. With a dearth of speedsters hitting the tourists in the Test series, T Natarajan might be added to the Test squad. Natarajan had a scintillating run in the limited-overs leg of the tour as he debuted in ODIs and T20Is with a bang.

His scans came in and he will miss the third and fourth game. So, there was no point in holding him back and it is better that he returns to the country and undergoes rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). He left on Wednesday night,” the source said.

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

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Mohammed Siraj shines on debut

Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj

Umesh will not be the first pacer to pick an injury during the ongoing Test series. Frontline quick Mohammed Shami had fractured his arm while batting at Adelaide. And was ruled out of the series earlier. Shami’s exit paved way for Mohammed Siraj to bag his maiden Test cap and the young quick was on the money right away. Debuting at the iconic MCG in a Boxing Day Test, Siraj breathed fire as he set on a journey to fulfil his late father’s dream.

The Hyderabad quick stuck with the side despite losing his father last month, and the team repaid his dedication. Siraj was quick to seize the opportunity as he scalped a total of five wickets in his debut Test with his disciplined line and length. With him stepping up, India didn’t feel the absence of Shami in the side as they bowled Australia out twice under 200. With Umesh missing out, Siraj will be a crucial clog in the pace battery with Navdeep Saini all set to make his mark on debut at the SCG.

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