T Natarajan T20I debut: Why is Jasprit Bumrah not playing today’s first T20I between Australia and India?

Jasprit Bumrah not playing: The visitors have left out their premium fast bowler for the first T20I at the Manuka Oval.

During the first T20I of the ongoing Australia’s tour of India in Canberra, Australia captain Aaron Finch has won the toss and opted to field. With opening batsman David Warner ruled out of the series due to a hamstring injury, Australia have included D’Arcy Short as a like-for-like replacement.

“Been quite a big buildup anyway. Was expected to be at this time. Not much changes. [D’Arcy] Short opens the batting. [Matthew] Wade at three. Phenomenal design, grateful to be able to wear it [the indigenous kit],” Finch told Fox Sports at the toss.

Among other interesting changes, Australia have also included the likes of all-rounder Moises Henriques and spinner Mitchell Swepson – both of whom had last played a T20I three and two years ago respectively.

Why is Jasprit Bumrah not playing today’s first T20I?

As far as the team combination is concerned, India have also made some intriguing changes to add prowess to their T20I XI. While Sanju Samson has been included ahead of Shreyas Iyer, the visitors have rested fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah in a bid to manage their workload.

“Great chance to have a look at a few guys. Have managed workloads of the bowlers nicely so far. We’ve been playing good T20 cricket, we just have to continue that. [T] Natarajan is making his debut today. Looked composed in the third ODI. There was a reason I went to him,” Kohli told Fox Sports at the toss.

Among other players who have failed to make it to the Playing XI are opening batsmen Mayank Agarwal, spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and fast bowler Navdeep Saini. Playing a couple of finger-spinners in Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar is another ploy which will attract eyeballs of Indian fans.