T Natarajan was one of the two players to make his Test debut at Th Gabba. In the process, he became the first cricketer to make international debuts in one single series in all formats. Coming into Australia as a net bowler, Natarajan was included in the ODI, T20I and now into the Test squad after Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the fourth Test due to an abdominal injury. He thus joined the likes of Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav who were earlier ruled out of the series.
Meanwhile, Natarajan came up with crucial breakthroughs just when Australia were starting to dominate the day’s play. After they lost their top three in the first session of play, Matthew Wade (45) and Marnus Labuschagne (108) added a 113-run stand and dominated most of the day’s play post-lunch. Wade was dismissed against the run of play as he looked set to get a big score.
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Watch: Natarajan Takes Two Wickets In His Test Debut
The left-hander did not play a sweep shot to which he was dismissed in the first two Tests by Ravichandran Ashwin. However, he played a cross-batted shot which did not rise high enough to be pulled to give the left-arm pacer his first Test wicket. The Australian scorecard read 200 then. Overall it was a poor shot selection by Matthew Wade.
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Natarajan then dismissed Labuschagne just after he got to his hundred. Bowling from around the wicket he induced a false delivery from the right-hander who looked set after getting to his hundred. He bowled a delivery that cramped him for room after bowling a couple of delivery that left him.
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Also Read: Team India Registers Unique Record In Opening Day Of Gabba Test
Natarajan’s quick wickets helped India to make a comeback into the game after Australia started to bat them out of the contest on Day 1. This happened after Australia won the toss and elected to bat. The Aussies last lost a Test match at this venue back in 1988. Overall, Australia have played 62 Tests at this venue and won 40 while lost just eight.
At the coin toss, Rahane stated, “We had to make changes, but it’s an opportunity for others. Looking forward to start well. Both the debutants play the shorter formats, just want them to enjoy the game. Thakur, Mayank, Natarajan and Sundar are playing. This is a big rivalry for us. We don’t want to think too far ahead, just want to start well.”