Jasprit Bumrah hands Navdeep Saini Test cap No.299, fans and Australia congratulate pacer

The rise of Indian fast bowler Navdeep Saini in international cricket has been exemplary. The 28-year-old who grew up playing cricket with a tennis ball predominantly as his family could not afford to buy a cricket kit, has now been rewarded with a place in the Indian Test team for his phenomenal bowling capabilities. Jasprit Bumrah, the new spearhead of the Indian bowling attack, presented Navdeep Saini with his Test cap ahead of the India vs Australia 3rd Test.

Navdeep Saini Test debut: The Haryana-born bowler fulfills his dream 

The pace bowler has garnered attention from all corners due to his ability to bowl with sheer pace. Saini, who represents the Delhi team in the domestic circuit, has toiled hard in the first-class matches. Having made his ODI debut for the Indian cricket team in 2019, the player had to wait for this chance in the longer format. 

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Umesh Yadav's injury paved way for Navdeep Saini and the latter was included in the side for the India vs Australia 3rd Test as his replacement. It is a monumental moment in Jasprit Bumrah's career as well as he was given the opportunity to hand over the Test cap to his teammate. This also shows how the fast bowler has evolved into a leader of the Indian pace battery in such a short duration. 

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Navdeep Saini became the 299th player to represent India in Test match cricket. While handing the cap to the talented pacer, Jasprit Bumrah commended the debutant for his hard work. The 27-year-old was heard praising him in the team huddle ahead of the much anticipated Navdeep Saini Test debut. The bowler was also congratulated by his teammates for his accomplishment. Netizens also showered praises for the lanky fast bowler and wished a successful debut for him. 

The onus will be on Navdeep Saini to deliver in the crucial Test match. The cricketer has picked up 128 wickets so far in 47 first-class matches in his career. Former India opener Gautam Gambhir has also played a significant role in Saini's career and the bowler also has often credited him for mentoring him. 

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India vs Australia live streaming: 

Fans can tune into the Sony Pictures Sports Network (SONY TEN 1, SONY TEN 3 and SONY SIX) at 5:00 AM (IST) on Thursday, January 7 for the live telecast of the match. The India vs Australia live streaming will also be made available on the SonyLIV app. To follow the live scores of the game, one can keep tabs on the social media accounts of the BCCI and Cricket Australia. 

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Image source: Cricket.com.au Twitter