Siraj and Saini's dash for a debut

India currently find themselves at the receiving end of a bowling machine set on autopilot. However, it's firing problems instead of synthetic dimple balls. They not only have to make ado in Virat Kohli's absence but also fill in the gaping hole left behind by Mohammed Shami, who has been ruled out of the rest of the Australian tour with a fractured arm. However, there's no time to cry over spilt milk as the Boxing Day Test lurks around the corner. Either of the two understudies in the engine room, Mohammed Siraj and Navdeep Saini, stand on the cusp of a debut as India chase an equalizer to keep the series alive.

There's very little to separate between the speedsters. Both are capable of chalking up express pace, predominantly north of 140kmph, via a smooth and repeatable action and can toil through thick and thin passages of play, thanks to their robust physical fitness. While the pros are raw pace and the knack of swinging the ball upfront, Siraj and Saini also paddle in the same boat as far as the cons are concerned. As has been the case with Umesh Yadav as well, the duo can prove profligate in the maintenance of line and lengths. Control is what blots their copybook more than anything else. The scales are pretty much balanced in terms of the strengths and flaws, and thus, it'll be very intriguing to see who gets the captain's vote in the toss-up between the tearaways. 

No doubt, it does seem a battle of equals from the outset. However, if you grab hold of a magnifying glass and probe into the nitty-gritty of the matter, obscured layers unfold. The parameter of recent form tilts in favour of Siraj given his display of venom and velocity in the two practice games. Saini was among the wickets too in those games but his screen test paled in comparison as the casualties comprised more of the tail. Moreover, Siraj's rout of Kolkata Knight Riders worth a slick 3/8 is still lingering fresh in the memories and could well be a point of discussion when the management sits down to take the final call. On the other hand, the incumbency factor might load the dice in Saini's benefit as he has been in the squad since the New Zealand assignment. 

In the rarest of rare scenarios, the visitors could also throw one of their three reserve fast bowlers, Shardul Thakur, Thangarasu Natarajan, and Kartik Tyagi into the deep end. The trio has been dancing attendance to the frontline batsmen in the nets to ensure that the preparation is of the highest order. Shardul does have a Test to his name, even if his maiden appearance in white flannels lasted all of ten balls before his groin gave way. Natarajan, who carved his own niche during the white-ball leg of the tour, has been making life difficult for the Indian top-order in the nets over the course of the last few weeks. He has managed to beat the bat of or wrap the pads of stalwarts of the ilk of Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ajinkya Rahane. It has been rather apparent that bowling coach Bharat Arun has pulled Natarajan under his wings and lends him knowledge of some sacred tricks of the trade. 

Young Tyagi's eye-catching exploits in the warm-up affair at Drummoyne Oval put a seal on his transition to top-flight cricket. It was his bouncer that unfortunately hit Will Pucovski on the helmet, a nasty blow that concussed the Victorian run-machine out of contention for the first two Tests of the series. He has showcased a testimonial of his talent in the nets, not shying away from trialing the likes of Kohli and Pujara with some jazzy chin music. 

In another bizarrely left-field tactic, India could slot in Ravindra Jadeja as Shami's replacement to go with six specialist batsmen. Although the batting depth will be strengthened to a great extent, it would leave Jasprit Bumrah and Yadav with over-burdened shoulders. 

Shami's are massive boots to step into and whoever gets the nod among the seamers won't have it easy, let alone replicate his reverse swing. Saini and Siraj, the lead-runners in the race, would pass muster if they can just tighten the screws as the third pacer. It could potentially be a make-or-break juncture for the lucky one who receives the green-light. There will be nerves to overcome and faith to be repaid. It's a golden chance to stake a claim for permanent residency in the Indian contingent. In essence, one man's misfortune is another man's opportunity. 

Powered by Froala Editor

Powered by Froala Editor