Xtra Time Web Desk: India’s new bowling sensation T Natarajan and off spinner Washington Sundar were handed test caps for the fourth and final test match against Australia at Brisbane. The Indian team made as many as four changes to the side that played in Sydney. Mayank Agarwal, Shardul Thakur, T Natarajan and Washington Sundar were included in the playing XI. Jasprit Bumrah (groin) and Ravichandran Ashwin (back spasm) did not recover from the injury they suffered in the last test. Hanuma Vihari and Ravindra Jadeja were ruled out for this test match.
India’s bowling coach Bharat Arun presented the test cap to Natarajan, congratulating the left-arm pacer for becoming the 300th player to represent India at the Test level. Natarajan, who made his Twenty20 International (T20I) and One-Day International (ODI) debut on the ongoing tour, completed a perfect treble as he got the chance to play his first Test on the same trip to Australia.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took to Twitter to share videos of both players receiving their caps. “The stuff dreams are made of. A perfect treble for @Natarajan_91 as he is presented with #TeamIndia’s Test Billed cap No. 300. It can’t get any better! Natu is now an all-format player. #AUSvIND,” the BCCI tweeted.
Washington Sundar received his test cap from his senior teammate Ravichandran Ashwin.
“Let’s hear it for @Sundarwashi5, who gets his #TeamIndia Billed cap from @ashwinravi99. He stayed back after the white-ball format to assist the team and is now the proud holder of cap number 301,” tweeted BCCI.
Australia have won the toss and has elected to bat first. The hosts made only one change with Marcus Harris coming in for injured Will Pucovski.