Australian opener David Warner is likely to face T Natarajan in the third Test in Sydney starting from January 7. Warner has seen Natarajan bowl for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL and thus knows a thing or two about his strengths. Natarajan accompanied the Indian team to Australia as a cover-up but later was included in the Indian ODI and T20I squad after injuries to a few bowlers. He was then included in the Indian Test match squad after Umesh Yadav was ruled out for the last two matches.
Meanwhile, addressing a virtual media interaction ahead of the Sydney Test, David Warner said that he is a bit apprehensive about Natarajan’s credibilities in Test cricket.
“Good question but I am not too sure. You guys would be knowing his (Natarajan) Ranji Trophy stats and how he delivers day in and day out. I know he has line and lengths to do that, but obviously, back-to-back overs in a Test match? I am not a hundred percent sure,” Warner said during a virtual media interaction.
In the three T20Is, Natarajan picked up six wickets and produced economical spells. With Mohammed Siraj making an impact on his debut Test, David Warner is expecting something similar from Natarajan.
It’s a Great Reward For Nattu: David Warner
“I know a fair bit about Siraj and how well he has gone in Ranji Trophy, him backing up with repeated amount of overs. Given how his (Siraj’s debut) debut went, I am hopeful, Nattu will be able to do the same if he is included in that Test squad,” Warner said.
“I think it’s a great reward for Nattu. I think given that he was coming over here after missing the birth of his child to be a net bowler and then being injected into the actual squad is a great achievement for him and congratulations to him,” Warner said.
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David Warner further extended his best wishes for the left-arm pacer and spoke very highly of his abilities to conclude the interaction.
“He is a very, very good bowler and I got to see that and captain him for Sunrisers Hyderabad. I wish him all the best and if he does get that opportunity, we know he will be comfortable and will know what he has to do” said Warner.