'Net bowler' Natarajan becomes first Indian to make international debut in 3 formats on same tour
Brisbane: Pacer Thangarasu Natarajan, who came to Australia as a net bowler, on Friday became the first Indian cricketer to make his international debut across all three formats during the same tour.
The 29-year-old Tamil Nadu player was one of the rookies named in the playing eleven of the injury-ravaged Indian team against Australia in the fourth and final Test which started here on Friday.
He made his international debut in the third ODI against Australia on December 2 in Canberra, which India won by 13 runs. Natarajan made an immediate impact by taking two wickets for 70 runs from his 10 overs.
Natarajan then played his part in India's 2-1 series win in the subsequent three-match T20 International rubber by taking six wickets during the series.
"Welcome to Test cricket ... Thangarasu Natarajan becomes the first Indian player to make his International debut across all three formats during the same tour," the ICC tweeted.
The Tamil Nadu player, whose mother worked as a daily wager, picked up two wickets in the 20 overs he bowled on the day, conceding 63 runs.
"The stuff dreams are made of. A perfect treble for @Natarajan_91 as he is presented with #TeamIndia's Test No. 300. It can't get any better! Natu is now an all-format player," tweeted the BCCI.
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Bengaluru to Ernakulam; Vande Bharat carries over 55,000 passengers in first month
Bengaluru: The Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) Bengaluru to Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express, launched on November 11 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has received a huge response in its first month, carrying more than 55,000 passengers and recording over 100% bookings in both directions.
According to a report published by The New India Express, the train is the first inter-state semi high-speed premium train connecting the southern states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. According to South Western Railway (SWR) data, the Bengaluru to Ernakulam leg carried 11,447 passengers in November with an average booking of 127%. In December, the number increased to 16,129 passengers, with 117% average booking.
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The Ernakulam to Bengaluru service reportedly carried 12,786 passengers in November, with an average booking of 141%. In December, the number rose to 14,742, with 106% average booking, the data showed.
The Railways calculates occupancy by including the total number of bookings. As per the report, if a train has 100 seats and 27 people are on the waiting list, occupancy is counted as 127%.
Railway officials reportedly said, they expect ticket demand to rise further in December due to Christmas and New Year holidays, along with the Sabarimala pilgrimage. The train is a popular choice among daily commuters, business travellers, students and tourists.
