Indian pacer Thangarasu Natarajan’s stocks continue to rise sharply as the left-arm pacer is likely to make his Test debut for India in the third Test against Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. Reportedly, T Natarajan has been added to the Indian Test squad after Umesh Yadav suffered a calf injury that is likely to keep him out of the New Year’s Test.&nbsp;

Natarajan came in the eyes of world cricket during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad as the pacer impressed everyone with his sharp accuracy and ability to pick wickets.&nbsp;

Natarajan was rewarded with Team India debut during the recently concluded ODI and T20I series against Australia. Natarajan took two wickets in his ODI debut and six wickets in the three-match T20I series at a splendid economy of 6.91.

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With India looking to add variety in Umesh Yadav’s absence, Natarajan could get his Test debut ahead of Navdeep Saini.&nbsp;

"The selectors had added Shardul Thakur (Mumbai paceman) as a replacement for Mohammed Shami (out with a fractured forearm), and there is Navdeep Saini too, but it's very much likely that Natrajan would be preferred given that he brings variation to the attack. Also, like&nbsp;Mitchell Starc does for Nathan Lyon, he would create footmarks which spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja can exploit," a source told TOI on Sunday.

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India will also be boosted by the availability of Rohit Sharma after the veteran Indian batsmen completed his 14-day hard quarantine on Wednesday. However, it would be interesting to see whether the visitors will make any more change to a winning combination.

India and Australia will lock horns in the third Test at the SCG, starting from January 7. 
&nbsp;

Indian pacer Thangarasu Natarajan’s stocks continue to rise sharply as the left-arm pacer is likely to make his Test debut for India in the third Test against Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground.

Indian pacer Thangarasu Natarajan’s stocks continue to rise sharply as the left-arm pacer is likely to make his Test debut for India in the third Test against Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. Reportedly, T Natarajan has been added to the Indian Test squad after Umesh Yadav suffered a calf injury that is likely to keep him out of the New Year’s Test. Natarajan came in the eyes of world cricket during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad as the pacer impressed everyone with his sharp accuracy and ability to pick wickets. Natarajan was rewarded with Team India debut during the recently concluded ODI and T20I series against Australia. Natarajan took two wickets in his ODI debut and six wickets in the three-match T20I series at a splendid economy of 6.91. ALSO READ: Shhhh! Fans urged to cheer quietly at SCG amid COVID outbreak With India looking to add variety in Umesh Yadav’s absence, Natarajan could get his Test debut ahead of Navdeep Saini. "The selectors had added Shardul Thakur (Mumbai paceman) as a replacement for Mohammed Shami (out with a fractured forearm), and there is Navdeep Saini too, but it's very much likely that Natrajan would be preferred given that he brings variation to the attack. Also, like Mitchell Starc does for Nathan Lyon, he would create footmarks which spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja can exploit," a source told TOI on Sunday. ALSO READ: New Zealand end Pakistan defiance for thrilling Test win India will also be boosted by the availability of Rohit Sharma after the veteran Indian batsmen completed his 14-day hard quarantine on Wednesday. However, it would be interesting to see whether the visitors will make any more change to a winning combination. India and Australia will lock horns in the third Test at the SCG, starting from January 7.

T Natarajan could make Test debut in third Test vs Australia as Umesh Yadav suffers calf injury

The iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is set to host the third Test between India and Australia, scheduled to start from January 7. There were dark clouds looming over the venue of the New Year’s Test between Australia and India with a fresh COVID-19 cluster emerging in Sydney. However, Cricket Australia has ratified the decision to go ahead with the original schedule with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday.

December’s COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney forced NSW authorities, Queensland government and Cricket Australia to get into lengthy discussions across the past two weeks.

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However, players are likely to be forced into quarantine and will be only allowed to train, according to reports.

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The interim CEO of Cricket Australia, Nick Hockley, remained committed to an SCG Test even as key stakeholders desired to play the New Year’s Test in Melbourne, which hosted the Boxing Day Test. However, Hockley believed that he could deliver the much-awaited match to the NSW government, the fans and the SCG, as scheduled.&nbsp;

There is a feeling of optimism within Cricket Australia that it can deliver the last two Test of the four-match series without a hitch.

Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia’s Interim CEO, said that health advice from the NSW Government and collaboration with both the NSW and Queensland Governments helped make the decision.

"Despite the many challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, I am delighted to say Cricket Australia remains on track to deliver the men's international series as scheduled," Hockley said.

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"We have met regularly over the past week to assess the unfolding public health situation in Sydney and gauge its impact on border restrictions around the country. To date, we have been able to deliver a safe and successful summer thanks to our detailed biosecurity protocols and the amazing work of so many great people behind the scenes.

"To that end, we have made the decision to keep the New Year's Test at the SCG, which has a wonderful recent history of hosting the Pink Test and Jane McGrath Day on the third day of play.

"We are confident that both this match, and the fourth Test in Brisbane, will play out in a safe and successful manner and thus round out what has been a magnificent men's international program this summer.

"We are very grateful to the Queensland Government for their willingness to work with us to deliver the series as planned in a manner that places the safety and wellbeing of the players, officials, staff and the wider community as its top priority.

"In response to the public health situation in NSW and the requirements of the Queensland Government, CA will put in place appropriate biosecurity measures and we thank all players, staff and broadcasters for their cooperation to play the matches safely."

The iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is set to host the third Test between India and Australia, scheduled to start from January 7. There were dark clouds looming over the venue of the New Year’s Test between Australia and India with a fresh COVID-19 cluster emerging in Sydney.

The iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is set to host the third Test between India and Australia, scheduled to start from January 7. There were dark clouds looming over the venue of the New Year’s Test between Australia and India with a fresh COVID-19 cluster emerging in Sydney. However, Cricket Australia has ratified the decision to go ahead with the original schedule with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday. December’s COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney forced NSW authorities, Queensland government and Cricket Australia to get into lengthy discussions across the past two weeks. JUST IN: The SCG has been confirmed as the venue for the third #AUSvIND Test — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 29, 2020 × However, players are likely to be forced into quarantine and will be only allowed to train, according to reports. ALSO READ: Australia fined for slow-over rate in Boxing Day Test vs India The interim CEO of Cricket Australia, Nick Hockley, remained committed to an SCG Test even as key stakeholders desired to play the New Year’s Test in Melbourne, which hosted the Boxing Day Test. However, Hockley believed that he could deliver the much-awaited match to the NSW government, the fans and the SCG, as scheduled. There is a feeling of optimism within Cricket Australia that it can deliver the last two Test of the four-match series without a hitch. Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia’s Interim CEO, said that health advice from the NSW Government and collaboration with both the NSW and Queensland Governments helped make the decision. "Despite the many challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, I am delighted to say Cricket Australia remains on track to deliver the men's international series as scheduled," Hockley said. ALSO READ: Ajinkya Rahane joins MS Dhoni in a rare list as India win Boxing Day Test vs Australia "We have met regularly over the past week to assess the unfolding public health situation in Sydney and gauge its impact on border restrictions around the country. To date, we have been able to deliver a safe and successful summer thanks to our detailed biosecurity protocols and the amazing work of so many great people behind the scenes. "To that end, we have made the decision to keep the New Year's Test at the SCG, which has a wonderful recent history of hosting the Pink Test and Jane McGrath Day on the third day of play. "We are confident that both this match, and the fourth Test in Brisbane, will play out in a safe and successful manner and thus round out what has been a magnificent men's international program this summer. "We are very grateful to the Queensland Government for their willingness to work with us to deliver the series as planned in a manner that places the safety and wellbeing of the players, officials, staff and the wider community as its top priority. "In response to the public health situation in NSW and the requirements of the Queensland Government, CA will put in place appropriate biosecurity measures and we thank all players, staff and broadcasters for their cooperation to play the matches safely."

Sydney Cricket Ground to host third Test vs India, confirms Cricket Australia

The latest outbreak of COVID-19 cases in Sydney has left everyone concerned over the fate of the third Test between India and Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, scheduled to start from January 7. While there are reports that the Melbourne Cricket Ground might host the second and third Test after the latest cluster in Sydney, there are concerns surrounding the safety of Indian opener Rohit Sharma, who is undergoing quarantine in Sydney.

However, a BCCI official has confirmed that Rohit will continue to undergo quarantine in Sydney and the Indian cricket board and the team management is&nbsp;in constant touch with the ‘Hitman’.&nbsp;

"He doesn't need to move from Sydney. He is safe and is in a bio-secure environment undergoing quarantine. While he is alone in his room, the Indian board as well as the team management is constantly in touch with him. If there was any emergency or if we felt that he needed to get out of Sydney, we would. But for now, he is completely safe there," the BCCI official told ANI.

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When asked about the endurance programme which the physio handed over to Rohit when he left for Australia following the completion of his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, the official said:

"He is being monitored by the physios and he is doing his regular endurance work in his room. It is all about keeping fit and ready for action when it comes to hitting the ground running."

Cricket Australia on Sunday stated the Sydney Test is still on track despite the fresh coronavirus cluster in Sydney. However, there are reports that the third Test may be hosted by Melbourne along with the Boxing Day Test.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-will-go-out-new-faces-will-come-in-but-what-about-mr-ravi-shastri-351379" hreflang="en">Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri?</a>

"The third Test is more than two-and-a-half weeks away, which provides us with time to assess the evolving public health situation on the northern beaches of Sydney. We have made no changes to our schedule and our preference remains to play the match at the Sydney Cricket Ground," Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia's Interim CEO said in an official statement.

"Cricket Australia has developed a solid track record of delivery throughout this most challenging of summers and will continue to make appropriate and proportionate decisions in consultation with our biosecurity team, governments, State &amp; Territory Associations, the Australian Cricketers' Association, our partners and venues," he added.

The latest outbreak of COVID-19 cases in Sydney has left everyone concerned over the fate of the third Test between India and Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, scheduled to start from January 7.

The latest outbreak of COVID-19 cases in Sydney has left everyone concerned over the fate of the third Test between India and Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, scheduled to start from January 7. While there are reports that the Melbourne Cricket Ground might host the second and third Test after the latest cluster in Sydney, there are concerns surrounding the safety of Indian opener Rohit Sharma, who is undergoing quarantine in Sydney. However, a BCCI official has confirmed that Rohit will continue to undergo quarantine in Sydney and the Indian cricket board and the team management is in constant touch with the ‘Hitman’. "He doesn't need to move from Sydney. He is safe and is in a bio-secure environment undergoing quarantine. While he is alone in his room, the Indian board as well as the team management is constantly in touch with him. If there was any emergency or if we felt that he needed to get out of Sydney, we would. But for now, he is completely safe there," the BCCI official told ANI. ALSO READ: Suresh Raina releases statement after getting booked in Mumbai When asked about the endurance programme which the physio handed over to Rohit when he left for Australia following the completion of his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, the official said: "He is being monitored by the physios and he is doing his regular endurance work in his room. It is all about keeping fit and ready for action when it comes to hitting the ground running." Cricket Australia on Sunday stated the Sydney Test is still on track despite the fresh coronavirus cluster in Sydney. However, there are reports that the third Test may be hosted by Melbourne along with the Boxing Day Test. ALSO READ: Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri? "The third Test is more than two-and-a-half weeks away, which provides us with time to assess the evolving public health situation on the northern beaches of Sydney. We have made no changes to our schedule and our preference remains to play the match at the Sydney Cricket Ground," Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia's Interim CEO said in an official statement. "Cricket Australia has developed a solid track record of delivery throughout this most challenging of summers and will continue to make appropriate and proportionate decisions in consultation with our biosecurity team, governments, State & Territory Associations, the Australian Cricketers' Association, our partners and venues," he added.

No need to move Rohit Sharma from Sydney, he is safe: BCCI official

Talismanic Australia batsman Steve Smith said Tuesday he would love Sydney to host the new year Test against India as planned, despite the city currently battling a coronavirus outbreak.

"Personally I'd love Sydney to happen, I love playing at the SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground), it's my home ground," Smith said.

Australia's largest city has been virtually sealed off from the largely virus-free rest of the country after a cluster of coronavirus cases were uncovered, raising serious doubts about the third Test which is scheduled to start on January 7.&nbsp;

"I think everyone's preference here would be to play in Sydney, but we will always be guided by experts," Smith said.&nbsp;

If the Sydney clash goes ahead, the players could have problems travelling to Brisbane for the final Test a week later after Queensland effectively closed its border to Sydney.

The second Test starts in Melbourne on Boxing Day and back-to-back Tests there could be an option.

Otherwise, they could return to Adelaide, where Australia won the opening Test by eight wickets on Saturday, or host two in a row in Brisbane.

Australia are currently leading the Test series 1-0, after an Indian second-innings batting collapse in Adelaide.&nbsp;

India were bowled out for their record Test low of 36 by Australia's trio of fast bowlers led by Josh Hazlewood, who took five wickets for eight runs, Pat Cummins who grabbed &nbsp;four, backed up by Mitchell Starc.&nbsp;

Smith said that victory rested on one of the best performances he had seen from a group of Australian pace bowlers.&nbsp;

"I played a lot of cricket with all three of those fast bowlers and I reckon the length they bowled consistently was as good as I've seen," he said.

"The lengths they were hitting were just impeccable."&nbsp;

Smith refused to be drawn on whether India, who will now be without Virat Kohli, could bounce back in the second Test beginning on Boxing Day in Melbourne.&nbsp;

"Every individual is different -- the way they take their dismissals, how they think about the game after it's finished," he said.

Smith said playing a Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was always special.

"It's sort of like a dream come true in a way I think, as a kid I always wanted to play in a Boxing Day Test match, I always remember watching the Boxing Day Tests at home with the family after Christmas.&nbsp;

"To walk out on Boxing Day and play, you sort of get the shivers down your spine and the hairs on the back of your neck rise up and it's just a great feeling."&nbsp;

Talismanic Australia batsman Steve Smith said Tuesday he would love Sydney to host the new year Test against India as planned, despite the city currently battling a coronavirus outbreak.

Talismanic Australia batsman Steve Smith said Tuesday he would love Sydney to host the new year Test against India as planned, despite the city currently battling a coronavirus outbreak. "Personally I'd love Sydney to happen, I love playing at the SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground), it's my home ground," Smith said. Australia's largest city has been virtually sealed off from the largely virus-free rest of the country after a cluster of coronavirus cases were uncovered, raising serious doubts about the third Test which is scheduled to start on January 7. "I think everyone's preference here would be to play in Sydney, but we will always be guided by experts," Smith said. If the Sydney clash goes ahead, the players could have problems travelling to Brisbane for the final Test a week later after Queensland effectively closed its border to Sydney. The second Test starts in Melbourne on Boxing Day and back-to-back Tests there could be an option. Otherwise, they could return to Adelaide, where Australia won the opening Test by eight wickets on Saturday, or host two in a row in Brisbane. Australia are currently leading the Test series 1-0, after an Indian second-innings batting collapse in Adelaide. India were bowled out for their record Test low of 36 by Australia's trio of fast bowlers led by Josh Hazlewood, who took five wickets for eight runs, Pat Cummins who grabbed four, backed up by Mitchell Starc. Smith said that victory rested on one of the best performances he had seen from a group of Australian pace bowlers. "I played a lot of cricket with all three of those fast bowlers and I reckon the length they bowled consistently was as good as I've seen," he said. "The lengths they were hitting were just impeccable." Smith refused to be drawn on whether India, who will now be without Virat Kohli, could bounce back in the second Test beginning on Boxing Day in Melbourne. "Every individual is different -- the way they take their dismissals, how they think about the game after it's finished," he said. Smith said playing a Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was always special. "It's sort of like a dream come true in a way I think, as a kid I always wanted to play in a Boxing Day Test match, I always remember watching the Boxing Day Tests at home with the family after Christmas. "To walk out on Boxing Day and play, you sort of get the shivers down your spine and the hairs on the back of your neck rise up and it's just a great feeling."

Smith hopes virus-hit Sydney can still host third India Test

Cricket Australia on Friday said that the third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India is still on despite a fresh COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney. The CA said that the situation is being closely monitored but was confident of pulling off the Test match.

Australian cricket authorities were put on alert after number of coronavirus cases in Sydney reached 28 on Friday. The third Test between India and Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground is slated to be played from January 7.&nbsp;

"There's been lots of discussion and meetings of our medical experts, but this is the reason why throughout the summer we've had our players in bubbles in the hub," CA's interim chief executive Nick Hockley told SEN Radio.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-is-a-personal-decision-pcb-reacts-to-mohammad-amirs-decision-to-retire-from-international-cricket-350499" hreflang="en">'This is a personal decision': PCB reacts to Mohammad Amir's decision to retire from international cricket</a>

"We're monitoring the situation; we're not panicking at all, staying calm... ... it's really watch, wait and see and I think the governments around the country have handled the pandemic so well, so we'll watch, learn and stay in touch."

On whether the SCG Test was in doubt, Hockley said: "I don't think so - this is the very reason why we have the hubs in place... "... whether it's the WBBL players, the BBL players, the BCCI, our own Australia squads, they have been absolutely fantastic in dealing with all the protocols.

"Our medical experts have been working around the clock, we're in very good communication with health authorities around the country. It's one of the things we've had to navigate with getting cricket up safely."&nbsp;

The latest Sydney outbreak has already had an impact on the broadcasters with former Aussie pacer and Fox Cricket commentator Brett Lee decided to go back home in northern Sydney. Whereas two Sydney-based members of the broadcasters returned back to their home base while two others decided to work from hotel.

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"If the game can be played safely (in Sydney) then we'll play it there. That's our starting point, so it's working with the health authorities to ascertain that," he said.

"We started out thinking how to play the full series as safely as possible, and we'll take the same approach over the coming days and weeks.&nbsp;

"We've got contingency plans around a whole range of different options, and we've had to be agile all the way through. We were encouraged that it was 17 cases yesterday and ten today, and we'll see how that plays out over the next 72 hours."&nbsp;

Before the third Test, the second match is scheduled to start at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Deceber 26 and its chief Stuart Fox said they are open to supporting CA if need be.&nbsp;

"We hope that doesn't happen to Sydney. We know what it's like to lose a major event. For us, all focus is on the Boxing Day Test," he was quoted as saying by 'Sydney Morning Herald'. "We're here to support Cricket Australia if need be." 
&nbsp;

Cricket Australia on Friday said that the third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India is still on despite a fresh COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney.

Cricket Australia on Friday said that the third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India is still on despite a fresh COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney. The CA said that the situation is being closely monitored but was confident of pulling off the Test match. Australian cricket authorities were put on alert after number of coronavirus cases in Sydney reached 28 on Friday. The third Test between India and Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground is slated to be played from January 7. "There's been lots of discussion and meetings of our medical experts, but this is the reason why throughout the summer we've had our players in bubbles in the hub," CA's interim chief executive Nick Hockley told SEN Radio. ALSO READ:'This is a personal decision': PCB reacts to Mohammad Amir's decision to retire from international cricket "We're monitoring the situation; we're not panicking at all, staying calm... ... it's really watch, wait and see and I think the governments around the country have handled the pandemic so well, so we'll watch, learn and stay in touch." On whether the SCG Test was in doubt, Hockley said: "I don't think so - this is the very reason why we have the hubs in place... "... whether it's the WBBL players, the BBL players, the BCCI, our own Australia squads, they have been absolutely fantastic in dealing with all the protocols. "Our medical experts have been working around the clock, we're in very good communication with health authorities around the country. It's one of the things we've had to navigate with getting cricket up safely." The latest Sydney outbreak has already had an impact on the broadcasters with former Aussie pacer and Fox Cricket commentator Brett Lee decided to go back home in northern Sydney. Whereas two Sydney-based members of the broadcasters returned back to their home base while two others decided to work from hotel. ALSO READ: Watch: Virat Kohli suffers run-out after terrible mix-up with Ajinkya Rahane in Adelaide Test "If the game can be played safely (in Sydney) then we'll play it there. That's our starting point, so it's working with the health authorities to ascertain that," he said. "We started out thinking how to play the full series as safely as possible, and we'll take the same approach over the coming days and weeks. "We've got contingency plans around a whole range of different options, and we've had to be agile all the way through. We were encouraged that it was 17 cases yesterday and ten today, and we'll see how that plays out over the next 72 hours." Before the third Test, the second match is scheduled to start at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Deceber 26 and its chief Stuart Fox said they are open to supporting CA if need be. "We hope that doesn't happen to Sydney. We know what it's like to lose a major event. For us, all focus is on the Boxing Day Test," he was quoted as saying by 'Sydney Morning Herald'. "We're here to support Cricket Australia if need be."

SCG Test on despite Sydney COVID-19 outbreak, situation being monitored by Cricket Australia