IND vs AUS third Test: Pragyan Ojha explains why India went with Navdeep Saini as a substitute of Shardul Thakur

Image Source : GETTY IMAGES Navdeep Saini
India speedster Navdeep Saini made his Test debut on the SCG within the third Test of the continued four-match sequence in opposition to Australia. The right-arm pacer had a memorable outing on Day 1 as he gave India a much-needed breakthrough. Saini broke a century stand between Marnus Labuschagne and Will Pucvoski by dismissing the latter on 62. 
Debutant Saini registered his first Test wicket by trapping Pucovski plumb within the thirty fifth over. Saini ended the day with figures of 1/32, having bowled simply seven overs on the day. In the rain-affected first day, Indian bowling unit might bowl solely 55 overs.

After the primary day’s play, cricketer-turned-commentator Pragyan Ojha revealed why Saini was most popular over Shardul Thakur for the Sydney Test. According to Ojha, it was Saini’s tempo which made the distinction. 
“He (Saini) was brilliant, he bowled brilliantly. We have to understand that the wicket here is different (as compared to the one in Melbourne and Adelaide). But the line and length he was bowling, he was easily touching 140 (kmph), and that’s always a lovely sight,” Ojha advised Sports Today.

“That’s why Saini was chosen forward of Shardul Thakur. They (Team India) needed somebody on this type of a observe that shall be a bit of flat. They needed somebody who might bowl fast, and he was fast.
“And mind you, it is only his first game. That anxiety will be there, but now after bowling those overs he will be much more settled and he will be planning what to do and how to go about it. But the way he bowled I was quite impressed,” Ojha added additional.
Former India pacer Zaheer Khan additionally mentioned that everybody will see the ‘actual Saini’ on the second day of the Test. 
“I am very happy that Saini has already picked up his first wicket in however much he bowled today. Now he will go back and sleep at ease, do all his recovery, and when he comes tomorrow you will see the real Saini. So, I feel he should be judged based on how he does tomorrow,” mentioned Zaheer on Sony Sports Network.
At stumps, Australia have been in a commanding place, with Labuschagne and Steve Smith within the center. The hosts have put up 166/1 on Day 1 of the rain-marred encounter.