After battling back, to win the second test, India have had to make some enforced changes coming into this one. Natarajan, who impressed for Sunrisers Hyderabad in this years IPL, comes in for the injured Umesh Yadav, who injured his calf during the second test victory.
The build-up to this test has been marred by an apparent breach of Covid protocols, where five Indian players (Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Navdeep and Pritvi Shaw) were seen in a video circulated over social media where the quintet were seen outdoors eating in a Sydney restaurant.
Despite this breach, it’s believed there hasn’t been any travel restrictions on the five, and they will be able to travel with the rest of the squad for the third test. This match, with the series squared at 1-1 will be crucial. At the top of the order has been a problem for India with Mayank Agarwal and Pritvi Shaw both struggling.
The return of Mumbai Indians skipper Sharma, will give the tourists some much strength needed up top, it will be hoped Rohit Sharma’s return, will take some pressure and the scoring burden off stand-in skipper Ajinkja Rahane, Rishabh Pant and Hanuma Vihari in the middle.
Australia, who were well beaten in the second test have dropped Joe Burns, who has had indifferent series. Burns has been replaced by the returning David Warner, who has shaken off his groin injury. Will Pucovski, has impressed in the Sheffield Shield, but concussion issues have plagued the 22-year old. Selector Trevor Hohns has confirmed that Pucovski has been symptom free for sometime.
Fast bowler and all-rounder Sean Abbott who has recovered for a calf strain, has been recalled. The third test, which begins at 23:30, will be played at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney.
The Bearded Captain 