India’s young dressing prodigy, Nitish Kumar Reddyreaffirmed his potential as a future Test star with a gutsy performance on Day 3 of the second Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval. Despite the relentless pressure and tough batting conditions, the 21-year-old showed remarkable composure and skill, scoring an impressive 42 off 47 balls in India’s second innings. This innings was crucial in preventing an innings defeat, showcasing Reddy’s ability to take on the world-class Australian bowling attack with resilience and toughness.
Pat Cummins’ strategic trap
Nitish’s innings ended when he fell to an expertly crafted delivery from Pat Cumminsthe Australian captain and Nitish’s Indian Premier League (IPL) team leader at Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Cummins, who had already established a commanding presence on the field, claimed the fifth wicket of the innings, highlighting his tactical brilliance and understanding of the game.
After being hit for a spread on the previous delivery, Cummins made a subtle but crucial adjustment, bowling another short delivery which he lined across the right-handed Reddy. This ball, on a slight line outside off-stump, enticed Reddy to attempt an ambitious ramp shot. The young fighter, torn between attacking intent and defensive caution, miscalculated the angle and accidentally hit the ball straight into the Nathan McSweeneywho pitched to deep third man as part of a well-placed fly slider. The catch was clean, ending Reddy’s spirited innings and highlighting the strategic brilliance of Cummins’ fielding and delivery selection.
Here’s the video:
The rare caught-on-the-fly-slip!
Pat Cummins lifts the pink ball with his fifth wicket! #AUSWIND | #MilestoneMoment | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/kVKBdW346Q
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 8, 2024
India’s disappointing Test loss to Australia
Despite Reddy’s impressive knock, India suffered a crushing defeat by 10 wickets in the second Testwhich allowed Australia to level the series 1-1. After an impressive win in the series opener in Perth, India were expected to build momentum and mount a strong challenge. However, their batting failed to live up to expectations, both in the first and second innings.
India’s first innings started with promise but soon crumbled as they were bowled out for a paltry 180 runs. The batting order crumbled under pressure, with the top order failing to provide the consistency required for a competitive score. While the bowling attack fought valiantly to keep the Australian batting in check, the hosts managed to score a substantial 337, taking a substantial lead of 157 runs.
India’s second innings mirrored the first as the batting line-up collapsed again, producing just 175 runs. The inability of the top order to form partnerships and play consistent quality shots left the middle and lower order exposed. This resulted in Australia needing just 19 runs to win, a target they achieved without losing a single wicket.
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Nitish Kumar Reddy’s rising Test average and impact
Despite the team’s struggles, Nitish Reddy has made a significant mark in his early Test career. In the first two Tests, he scored three scores in the 40s and an unbeaten 38, posting a remarkable average of 54.33. His consistent performances, particularly against a formidable Australian attack, underscore his promise as a young fighter capable of holding his own in the toughest of conditions.
Numbers aside, Reddy’s innings were a testament to his adaptability and mental toughness. Struggling against some of the toughest bowling spells and under pressure at crucial times, his approach has shown maturity well beyond his years. This quality, coupled with his solid technique and keen cricketing mind, has cemented his reputation as a player to watch for the future.
Key takeaways for India in the Adelaide Test
While Nitish Reddy’s commendable performances provide hope for India’s batting line-up, the team needs to address its overall inconsistency to remain competitive in future matches. With the series tied at 1-1, India will need to regroup and improve their batting approach, ensuring they don’t repeat the same mistakes in the coming matches. On the other hand, Reddy’s continued progress, characterized by his courage, technical soundness and resilience, promises to be a valuable asset for Indian cricket as they look to build a stronger and more cohesive team for the future.
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