Indian all-rounder Nitish Reddy has revealed that invaluable bowling advice from Australian captain Pat Cummins, his IPL skipper, played a crucial role in his impressive performance for India in the Lord’s Test against England.
Aussie Wisdom for Indian Pacers
It seems Australian fast bowlers are proving to be unlikely mentors for Indian pacers on English soil. Earlier, Josh Hazlewood’s tip about “sticking to strengths and waiting for batsmen to make mistakes” reportedly helped Akash Deep claim a 10-wicket haul in the second Test at Edgbaston.
Now, Nitish Reddy has credited Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins after bagging the key wickets of England openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley on Day 1 of the Lord’s Test.
Cummins’ Simple Yet Effective Counsel
Reddy shared insights from his conversation with Cummins, highlighting the simple yet profound nature of the advice. “After the Australia tour I felt like I have to improve my bowling,” Reddy stated in a post-match press conference.
He explained that he asked Cummins about the difference between bowling in Australia and England, given it was his first tour. Cummins’ response was straightforward: “He said that it’s not going to be like a different change but you watch about the weather conditions and just play your game.”
Dreaming of the Lord’s Honour Board
With two vital wickets under his belt, Reddy was naturally asked about the possibility of achieving a five-wicket haul and etching his name on the prestigious Lord’s Honour Board. The young all-rounder expressed his determination and belief.
“Since I got some bit of swing both ways and I just want to be consistent over all areas,” he said. “I have been doing a lot of hard work… I have to believe in myself. I would be so happy if I got named on the board.”
Overcoming Injury Setbacks
Reddy also opened up about his challenging journey back to form after an injury. He recalled gradually increasing his workload during the IPL season, a crucial step in his recovery.
“To be honest, after the injury it has been a bit tough for me to get on my rhythm,” Reddy admitted, mentioning a side strain that caused lingering pain. He was relieved to regain his bowling rhythm towards the end of the IPL. “I am pretty happy the way I bowled today and I just want to continue tomorrow and get some wickets from the team.”
Bowling at Lord’s: Ignoring the Slope
Lord’s Cricket Ground is famously known for its slope, which can significantly impact a bowler’s strategy. However, Reddy revealed he wasn’t overly concerned with it, focusing instead on his execution.
“I don’t know about the slope and much but from that end (Nursery end) when I bowled it has been moving a lot and after pitching also it is going good,” he explained. “And I feel great about bowling that end.”
Lessons from Senior Pacers
Beyond Cummins, Reddy also draws wisdom from his Indian senior teammates, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Their advice centers on the fundamental aspect of consistency.
“They always speak about being consistent. It isn’t just about bowling those good balls,” Reddy shared. He added that against top-class batsmen, it’s not enough to rely on just one type of delivery. “So we just keep simple plans.”
- Pat Cummins advised Nitish Reddy to focus on weather conditions and “play his own game” in England.
- Reddy hopes to achieve a five-wicket haul and get his name on the Lord’s Honour Board.
- He battled a side strain, gradually increasing his bowling workload to regain rhythm.
- Reddy found success bowling from the Nursery End at Lord’s, despite not focusing on the ground’s famous slope.
- Senior bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj emphasize consistency and simple plans.
Reddy’s ability to absorb advice and adapt quickly highlights his potential as a valuable all-rounder for the Indian team, poised for more impactful performances.
