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In a momentous turn of events for Indian cricket, Nitish Kumar Reddy is set to make his Test debut in the opening match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The first Test is scheduled to be held at the WACA, Perth, on November 22, 2024.
Gambhir’s Vote of Confidence
According to a report by Indian Express, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir is highly impressed by Reddy’s work ethic and versatility. With the conditions in Perth known for their pace and bounce, Gambhir sees Reddy as a crucial addition to India’s pace attack, especially in a role that mirrors that of Hardik Pandya as a seam-bowling all-rounder.
Reddy’s inclusion as a fourth seam-bowling option aims to exploit the spicy Perth surface, complementing the existing bowling attack.
Filling the Void Left by Rohit Sharma
India will be without their regular skipper, Rohit Sharma, for the first Test as he is expected to join the team later. In his absence, ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side.
Nitish Kumar Reddy: Rising Star
Reddy’s rise to the national team comes on the back of an impressive IPL 2024 season with Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he scored 303 runs and picked up three wickets. His all-round skills and composure caught the attention of selectors, but his credentials in red-ball cricket further cement his place in the squad:
- First-Class Record: 21 matches, 1 century, 2 fifties, and 56 wickets.
- He showcased his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, making him a valuable asset for overseas tours.
Shining in Domestic and White-Ball Cricket
Reddy has also had a standout year in domestic cricket, earning his maiden India call-up in ODIs during the series against Bangladesh. In his second game, he scored a crucial fifty, silencing critics and proving his mettle on the international stage.
India’s Bowling Combinations in Focus
With Reddy likely to take the fourth seamer role, it remains to be seen who will partner him and Bumrah in the playing XI. The other contenders include Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna.
While there were earlier reports of Mohammed Shami joining the squad, the latest updates suggest that the BCCI has advised him to continue participating in domestic cricket to regain form.
What to Expect in Perth
The Perth wicket promises extra bounce and seam movement, making the selection of the right bowling combination crucial. Reddy’s ability to bowl long spells and chip in with valuable runs could prove pivotal as India aims for a strong start in the series.
