T. Natarajan might make his Test debut in the third Test against Australia at Sydney. The left-arm seamer is looked upon as a replacement for Umesh Yadav who injured himself during the MCG Test. The left-arm seamer impressed everyone in the T20I series as he helped India win the series 2-1. A Times Of India report suggests the team management is looking to play T. Natarajan and KL Rahul in the third Test. 

T. Natarajan And KL Rahul Can Play The Next Test- Reports

Team India is aiming to be flexible for the SCG Test and is seeming to make some tactical changes. A source has revealed that Shardul Thakur and Navdeep Saini can place play as a third seamer but Natarajan looks the front runner to play in the third Test. If Natrajan plays in the Test match he will also create a rough patch for Ravindra Jadeja and Ashwin which will help them to pick up wickets. 

“The selectors had added Shardul Thakur as a replacement for Mohammed Shami (out with a fractured forearm), and there is Navdeep Saini too, but it’s very much likely that Natrajan would be preferred given that he brings variation to the attack. Also, Like Mitchell Starc does for Nathan Lyon, he would create footmarks which spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja can exploit”, a source was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

Also Read: Australia Announce Updated Test Squad For The Last 2 Tests Against India 

Meanwhile, as far as the batting line-up of India is concerned the management is unsure about the batting position of Rohit Sharma. The source further revealed that if Rohit bats in the middle order than the management can look at KL Rahul to open the innings in the next Test. This means it is highly likely that Hanuma Vihari will be dropped for the third Test. 

“Rohit can either open the innings or come at No 5, since he can then get time to find his groove after quarantining recently. If he plays in the middle-order, KL can open the innings, or it can be vice-versa”, the source further said.

Also Read: Ravi Shastri Hints At Rohit Sharma’s Place For The 3rd Test Not Yet Confirmed