India’s young batting prodigy, Nitish Kumar Reddy, reaffirmed his potential as a future Test star with a valiant display on Day 3 of the second Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval. Despite facing relentless pressure and challenging batting conditions, the 21-year-old demonstrated remarkable composure and skill, scoring an impressive 42 off 47 balls in India’s second innings. This innings was pivotal in preventing an innings defeat, showcasing Reddy’s ability to counter the world-class Australian bowling attack with resilience and grit.
Pat Cummins’ strategic trap
Nitish’s innings came to an end when he fell to an expertly crafted delivery by Pat Cummins, the Australian captain and Nitish’s Indian Premier League (IPL) team captain at Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Cummins, who had already established a commanding presence on the field, claimed his fifth wicket of the innings, highlighting his tactical brilliance and understanding of the game.
After being hit for a six off a bouncer on the previous delivery, Cummins made a subtle but crucial adjustment, bowling another short-pitched delivery that angled across the right-handed Reddy. This ball, on a slight off-stump line, lured Reddy into attempting an ambitious ramp shot. The young batter, caught between attacking intent and defensive caution, miscalculated the angle and inadvertently hit the ball straight to Nathan McSweeney, who was positioned at deep third man as part of a well-placed fly slip field. The catch was taken cleanly, ending Reddy’s spirited innings and highlighting the strategic brilliance of Cummins’ field placement and delivery choice.
Here’s the video:
The rare caught-at-fly-slip!
Pat Cummins raises the pink ball with his fifth wicket! #AUSvIND | #MilestoneMoment | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/kVKBdW346Q
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 8, 2024
India’s disappointing test defeat against Australia
Despite Reddy’s impressive knock, India faced a crushing 10-wicket defeat in the second Test, which allowed Australia to level the series 1-1. Coming off a sensational win in the series opener at Perth, India were expected to build momentum and provide a strong challenge. However, their batting failed to live up to expectations, both in the first and second innings.
India’s first innings began with promise but soon fell apart as they were dismissed for a meager 180 runs. The batting order crumbled under pressure, with the top order failing to provide the stability needed for a competitive score. While the bowling attack fought valiantly to keep the Australian batter in check, the hosts managed to post a substantial 337, establishing a significant lead of 157 runs.
India’s second innings mirrored the first, as the batting lineup again fell short, producing a mere 175 runs. The top order’s inability to build partnerships and consistently play 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. Across the first two Tests, he has notched up three scores in the 40s and an unbeaten 38, demonstrating a remarkable average of 54.33. His consistent performances, particularly against a formidable Australian attack, highlight his promise as a young batter capable of holding his own in the toughest conditions.
Beyond just the numbers, Reddy’s innings have been a testament to his adaptability and mental toughness. Battling against some of the most challenging bowling spells and under pressure in critical moments, his approach has shown a maturity well beyond his years. This quality, combined with his solid technique and sharp 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 displays provide hope for India’s batting lineup, the team must address their overall inconsistency to remain competitive in future matches. With the series tied at 1-1, India will need to regroup and refine their approach to batting, ensuring they don’t repeat the same errors in the next fixtures. On the other hand, Reddy’s continued progression, marked 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.