Former India spinner Anil Kumble has strongly advocated for all-rounder Nitish Reddy to become a permanent fixture in the Test team, praising his recent performance against England.
Reddy’s Rising Stock
Nitish Reddy caught many by surprise, including Anil Kumble, with his disciplined bowling performance on the opening day of the 3rd Test against England. He managed to claim two crucial wickets, consistently hitting the right areas and maintaining control.
Kumble noted that while one short ball was a “gift,” Reddy’s overall discipline stood out. He also highlighted Reddy’s previous strong showing in Australia, where he scored a century with the bat and bowled decently, emphasizing his potential to break partnerships and offer fast bowlers a much-needed break.
The Call for Consistency
According to Kumble, Reddy’s ability to bowl nearly 14 overs in a spell is a testament to his fitness and control. He’s young, already has a Test century, and is a sharp fielder. These qualities make him a valuable asset for the Indian team.
Kumble strongly advised the Indian selectors to “persist with him and avoid the temptation to chop and change.” This long-term approach, he believes, is crucial for nurturing young talent like Reddy and building a stable team.
Lord’s Pitch: A Tough Grind for Batters
Shifting focus to the match conditions, Kumble observed that the Lord’s pitch presented a significant challenge for batters from the very start. He noted that England’s openers struggled to score freely off the new ball, forcing the team to adopt a more reserved approach.
The former leg-spinner described it as a pitch where batters “had to work hard for your runs,” which explained England’s more cautious scoring rate of 251/4 on the first day.
India’s Bowling Efforts and Match Balance
Despite the tough pitch, Kumble commended the Indian bowlers for their consistent line and length. He believes their disciplined efforts were a key reason India managed to restrict England to 251 runs by stumps on Day 1.
While England might be satisfied with losing just four wickets, Kumble suggested that India might reflect and feel they could have secured one or two more wickets to gain a firmer hold. As it stands, he concluded, the match is “evenly poised.”
- Anil Kumble praised Nitish Reddy’s disciplined bowling and overall potential.
- Kumble advocates for consistency, urging India to avoid frequent team changes for young players like Reddy.
- The Lord’s pitch was challenging for batters, demanding a hard-earned approach to scoring.
- India’s bowlers performed well, keeping the Test match evenly balanced after Day 1.
The debate around player consistency versus rotation continues to be a hot topic in Indian cricket, with experienced voices like Kumble weighing in on the crucial balance needed for success.
