India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has provided a crucial update on young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who missed the first three T20Is of the five-match series due to a neck spasm. Morkel revealed that Reddy completed all his training routines during the team’s latest practice session, but a final decision on his availability will be made after a medical assessment.

Reddy, who had earlier suffered a left quadriceps injury during the second ODI in Adelaide, developed neck spasms just before the opening T20I in Canberra, further delaying his return to action. The 22-year-old, however, looked in better shape recently as he was seen bowling, batting, and participating in fielding drills during India’s nets session.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Morne Morkel said, “Yeah, he did all his work that was needed or expected of him today — fielding, batting, bowling. He ticked all the boxes, so we’ll find out now after the assessment where he stands.”

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The BCCI had earlier released an official statement confirming that Reddy was ruled out of the first three T20Is, citing his recurring neck issue.

“Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out for the first three T20Is. The all-rounder, who was recovering from a left quadriceps injury sustained during the second ODI in Adelaide, complained of neck spasms that impacted his recovery and mobility. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress,” the statement read.

Initially expected to regain full fitness before the start of the T20I series, Reddy’s return was delayed by the unexpected neck problem. With the series currently tied at 1-1, both teams are determined to gain the upper hand in the final two matches. The opening game was washed out due to rain, India claimed victory in the second T20I, while Australia bounced back strongly to win the third.

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India squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (VC), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar.

Australia squad: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Matthew Short, Josh Inglis (wk), Josh Phillippe (wk), Mitchell Owen, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman, Benn Dwarshuis,Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Marcus Stoinis.