Aus vs Ind 2020: T Natarajan added to the ODI squad as back-up for Navdeep Saini

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has added uncapped left-arm fast bowler T Natarajan to the ODI squad as a back-up for Navdeep Saini, who complained for back spasm.

Natarajan was added to the ODI squad just hours before the first ODI against Australia but India went on to pick Navdeep Saini in the final XI for the first ODI at the SCG.

Initially, T Natarajan was to travel with the Indian team as a net bowler in order to help the team prepare for the Test matches. However, the southpaw pacer earned his maiden national call-up to the T20I squad after Varun Chakravarthy suffered a shoulder injury and he was ruled out.

T Natarajan impressed with his execution of yorkers in the recently concluded Indian Premier League 2020. The fast bowler from Tamil Nadu, scalped 16 wickets in 16 matches while playing for David Warner-led Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Natarajan was mostly right on the money with his yorkers in the death overs for the Orange Army and played an instrumental role in the success of the team.

With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami expected to be regularly rested in the limited over series, there are good chances that Natarajan can get to make his debut in ODI and T20I format. In fact, it will be exciting when Bumrah and Natarajan will bowl in tandem in the fag end of the innings as both of them have a lethal yorker.

“The All-India Senior Selection Committee has added T Natarajan to India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia starting Friday. Navdeep Saini complained of back spasm and Natarajan has been added as a back-up,” BCCI stated in a press release.

Natarajan had also taken to his social media handle to share his photograph in the retro Indian jersey. The left-arm pacer will look to grab his opportunity in the ongoing limited over series if he gets his chance.

The second ODI between Australia and India will take place at the SCG on November 29.