Former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble was impressed with Nitish Kumar Reddy’s performance on the first day of the third Test between England and India, and believes that the Indian team management should have faith in the all-rounder’s ability.
Kumble praised Reddy’s 14-over performance on the opening day of the current game. He appreciated Reddy’s constant control of the ball.
“I thought he played well in Australia – he scored a hundred with the bat and bowled adequately, albeit he didn’t take many wickets. What you need from someone like him is to break partnerships and give the fast bowlers a break while remaining in control. He bowled nearly 14 overs in a period, demonstrating fitness and control. He’s young, a solid batter with a century under his belt, and an excellent fielder. “India should stick with him and resist the temptation to chop and change,” Kumble said on JioHotstar.
He constantly hit the correct areas: Anil Kumble takes on Nitish Kumar Reddy.
After applauding Reddy’s bowling, the former Indian head coach hailed Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah for keeping Shubman Gill’s team in the game.
“I was amazed by how well Nitish Kumar Reddy bowled. He continually hit the correct spots. That short ball down the leg side was a gift, but he was also disciplined. His delivery to Zak Crawley was beautiful. When you’re out of form, things don’t always go your way – as Crawley discovered. Dhruv Jurel’s catch was exceptional. Jadeja was probing that line before Tea, and he struck the first ball after Tea. And, of course, Jasprit Bumrah cannot be excluded from the game. He bowled superbly and took an important wicket. “It’s difficult to imagine an innings in which Bumrah has no say,” Kumble remarked.
The hosts ended the day on 251/4 after opting to bat first. As many as two of the four wickets which India managed to pick up was courtesy of Reddy, who struck twice in his first over to get rid of Ben Duckett (23 off 40) and Zak Crawley (18 off 43).
India
