You Will See The Real Navdeep Saini On Day Two Of SCG Test: Zaheer Khan

Legendary fast-bowler Zaheer Khan has opined that Navdeep Saini will be at his best on the second day of the ongoing Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The former India pace spearhead believes Navdeep Saini will be able to do better on day two of the Test as his nerves would have got settled.

The right-arm pacer made his Test debut in the ongoing game and did not take long to make his presence felt. He gave India the much-needed breakthrough by dismissing Will Pucovski after the Australia opener frustrated the visitors with a stand of 100 runs with Marnus Labuschagne. Pucovski scored 62 before being sent back by Navdeep Saini.

Following the day’s play, Zaheer Khan was asked to rate Navdeep Saini’s debut day in Test cricket while he was in a discussion on the Sony Sports network. In reply, the former pacer said that it would have been both a ‘memorable’ and ‘tough’ day for Saini who must have felt the pressure and the nerves before getting his first Test wicket.

“The first day is a memorable one for any player. And it is also a tough day. You not only have to play the game but handle all the things that are going on in your mind. From that point of view, if you see, those things keep playing on your mind till you take your first wicket,” said Zaheer Khan.

“You saw in the last match as well when Siraj made his debut, he got his first wicket down the leg side. After that he was looking a different bowler. So, all the nerves go off after the first wicket,” he added.

Zaheer Khan also said he was delighted with Navdeep Saini getting his first Test wicket. The bowling great further proceeded by saying that Saini would do better on day two and the world will see the ‘real Saini’.

“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,” added Zaheer Khan.

Talking about the game, Australia are in a strong position thanks to fifties from Pucovski and Labuschagne. At the end of day one, the hosts were on 166 for 2 with Labuschagne and Steve Smith in the middle.

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