New Delhi: Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has lauded the sensational show by prodigious Nitish Kumar Reddy on his Test debut against Australia in the first Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth. India registered its largest Test victory down under in terms of the margin of runs (295).
Stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah was spot on with his bowling as well as the gameplan. The lethal speedster bagged his 11th five-wicket haul with the red ball in the first innings (5 for 30) before dazzling the hosts early in the 534-run chase on the third day. He claimed three more wickets, including the crucial one of destructive Australian batter Travis Head.
Youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal (161) and senior man Virat Kohli (100) slammed hundreds in the second innings to escalate India’s lead beyond 500. Yashasvi was involved in a record 201-run opening partnership with KL Rahul (77) as the duo made the highest stand on Australian pitch by any Indian pair.
But one such performance that impressed Gavaskar was that of Nitish who scored 41 and 38 not out, respectively, in both the innings. He was the top-scorer for India in the first innings where only 150 runs were put on board on the challenging Perth wicket. Nitish cleaned up Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh in the second innings to claim his maiden Test wicket.
“These two hundreds (from Jaiswal and Kohli) were terrific, as was the 200-plus opening partnership, but the most impressive innings was from Nitish Reddy. He showed an awareness of what was required which belied the fact that he was making his Test debut,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar.
“Even in the first innings, he displayed a refreshing grasp of scoring opportunities and ended up as the top scorer. His bowling too came in handy, and his fielding was outstanding. Here is a man for the future,” he added.
When is India vs Australia second Test?
The second Test match between India and Australia will be played at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide from December 6 to 10. It will be a day-night Test match, which will be played with a pink ball. India played a practice match on Sunday against Australian Prime Minister’s XI. The match was initially set for two-day Test but was later reduced to 46 overs per side after rain gods played spoilsport.
Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has lauded the sensational show by prodigious Nitish Kumar Reddy on his Test debut against Australia in the first Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth. India registered its largest Test victory down under in terms of the margin of runs (295). Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
