Former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble has lauded young Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy for his spectacular performance on day one of the third Test against England at Lord’s. Reddy, who was brought into attack by skipper Shubman Gill in the 14th over, handing him the new ball, repaid the faith by claiming the wickets of England openers – Zac Crawley and Ben Duckett.
Crawley departed for 18 and Duckett for 23 as they could do little to outskill the excellence of Reddy. Last year in December Reddy scored a maiden hundred during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia while coming in at number eight. With the century, he had created history, becoming the first visiting number eight batter to score a hundred in Australia.
“I thought he did quite well in Australia — got a hundred with the bat and bowled decently, even if he didn’t take many wickets. What you need from someone like him is to break partnerships and give the fast bowlers a breather while still maintaining control. He bowled nearly 14 overs in a spell — that shows fitness and control,” Kumble said on JioHotstar.
In the second Test at Edgbaston, Reddy had been wicketless and scored only 1 run each across both innings. However, in the third Test, he is looking in a different rhythm, prompting Kumble to advise India to continue with him. At stumps on day one of the third Test, England were 251/4 with Root and Stokes unbeaten on 99 and 39, respectively.
“He’s young, he’s a capable batter with a century under his belt, and he’s a sharp fielder. India should persist with him and avoid the temptation to chop and change,” said Kumble.