The Indian team management is likely to replace injured pacer Umesh Yadav with Shardul Thakur instead of left-arm pace sensation Thangarasu Natarajan in the third Test against Australia, reported PTI.
Yadav suffered a calf muscle injury during the third day of the second Test against Australia on Monday. The 33-year-old limped back to the dressing room and was later taken for scans after he pulled up during his fourth over of a successful spell at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Yadav is heading home and will miss both the remaining tests. He is expected to head off to National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for extensive rehab programme. The third Test begins in Sydney from January 7.
A BCCI source privy to developments in Australia said, “While people are excited about the brilliant progress shown by T Natarajan, we mustn’t forget he has played only one first class match for Tamil Nadu. And Shardul has been a seasoned domestic red ball pacer for Mumbai.”
The source added, “Shardul was really unfortunate that his Test debut against West Indies ended abruptly due to injury even before he could bowl an over. He has been shaping up well and might replace Umesh in the playing XI.”
Head coach Ravi Shastri, stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane and bowling coach Bharath Arun will be taking the final call once they reach Sydney.
Shardul has so far played 62 first class games and has 206 wickets to show for his efforts.
Another aspect that India would like to address ahead of the Third Test is a long tail that has affected the team.
Shardul has six first class half centuries and during his stint with the national team in white ball games, he has proved to be a decent batsman.
“Obviously the next few training sessions will be important and that’s why the final call is likely to be taken in Sydney,” the source said.
