T Natarajan likely to mark his Test debut for India in the third Test as a cover for injured Umesh Yadav

India has won the Boxing Day Test match with eight wickets that got staged in Melbourne. It became a memorable win as India bounced back stronger and buried its sour memories of the Adelaide Test. The chances were looking slim for India as visitors were without the services of their prime players like skipper Virat Kohli, pacer Mohammad Shami, and Ishant Sharma, who got ruled out earlier only.

Ajinkya Rahane was named as a stand-in captain for team India, and he led the team like an ultimate hero. He was further named as the player of the match for his stunning century in the first innings and finishing things in style in 2nd innings. However, a major concern for team India on the tour is their injury issues. Pacers especially have been sustaining injury since the first Test match. Firstly, Shami got ruled out, and now Umesh Yadav is out of the squad.

In the same line, India’s recent white-ball series hero T. Natarajan is in line to mark his Test debut with India. He may be roped in as a cover for injured Yadav for the 3rd Test between India and Australia commencing January 7 in Australia.

“With limited options available, the team management can ask for Natarajan to be added to the squad,” said a BCCI source as quoted by News 18.

T. Natarajan and Navdeep Saini in line for India Test debut

Umesh Yadav walked off the field after suffering an injury on day three of the 2nd Test. He has been sent for scans, and is nothing is yet sure about him. He was in the middle of a fine spell where he experienced severe cramps in his left leg and asked for immediate medical help. He then limped back to the dressing room. Natarajan can be looked at as a cover for Yadav, and Navdeep Saini is also in the line to be taken for consideration.

“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,” said BCCI media in a statement.