The Indian player who has captivated Australia’s great Glenn McGrath in ongoing India’s tour of Australia is none other than T Natarajan. The debutant hogged the eyes with his impressive performance in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 and was swooped in the T20I squad for Australia’s tour. But later, he was also included in the ODI squad after Navdeep Saini complained of back spasms.
The 29-year-old was handed over the ODI debut during the last match of the 50-over format series. He picked the maiden wicket of Marnus Labuschagne in the powerplay and gave the first breakthrough in that match. He also notched Ashton Agar’s wicket, who was looking to snatch victory for India. Finally, India won that ODI match by 13 runs, and he was praised for executing perfect yorkers.
With a decent ODI debut, T Natrajan was also handed over the T20I cap. In the first T20I on Friday, he bagged three wickets of D’Arcy Short, Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Starc while conceded 30 runs in his four overs. At SCG during the second T20I, he came out as the most economical bowler of the match, giving away only 20 runs and one boundary in his four overs. The speedster also scalped the crucial wicket of D’Arcy Short.
His outstanding performance and contribution of other players guided India to clinch the T20I series without their premier bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.
Glenn McGrath full of praise of T Natarajan:
T Natarajan’s fast rise in international cricket has impressed Australian great Glenn McGrath. The former Australia pacer said he was ‘very impressed’ with Natarajan and had no hesitation in terming him the ‘find’ for India in this tour.
“Was very impressed with Natarajan. He’s definitely the find of this tour for India, hopefully he continues,” McGrath said during commentary in the 2nd India-Australia T20I at the SCG.
McGrath also narrated how T Natarajan has improved a lot from where he was when the Australian legend first met him in the MRF pace foundation a few years ago. McGrath said Natarajan has adapted quickly to the Australian surfaces and now he doesn’t have to rely on his yorkers alone to pick wickets.
Meanwhile, India is yet to play the last T20I match against Australia in Syndey on Tuesday.