Nitish Kumar Reddy had an impressive start to his Test career on Day 1 of India’s opening match against Australia in Perth. The young all-rounder stood out amidst a batting collapse, top-scoring with 41 runs off 59 balls. His innings included six boundaries and a towering six, providing India with some much-needed resistance. As the rest of the batting lineup faltered against Australia’s relentless pace attack, Reddy’s composure and intent offered a glimmer of hope for the visitors.
After play, Reddy reflected on his debut and the guidance he received from India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir. “It was a dream come true to receive my Test cap from Virat Kohli, someone I’ve idolized since I started playing cricket,” he shared. On his batting performance, Reddy added, “I stuck to my plans, and Rishabh (Pant), who’s an attacking batter, kept guiding me. Nathan Lyon wasn’t getting much drift, so I decided to take my chances and help the team push forward.”
Nitish Reddy, coming in at number eight, showcased maturity and resilience as he partnered with Rishabh Pant to stitch a 48-run stand for the seventh wicket. Their partnership stabilized India’s innings momentarily after the team was reeling at 73/6.
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Reflecting on the conditions, Nitish Reddy said, “The wicket had plenty of help for the bowlers. We knew we had to stay disciplined, and that’s what our bowlers did brilliantly.” The young cricketer also shared insights into his preparation, mentioning a dinner he had with fellow debutant Harshit Rana on the eve of the Test. “We were informed about our selection and decided to stay calm. It was all about embracing the moment without getting too excited,” he remarked.
Coach Gautam Gambhir’s words played a pivotal role in Reddy’s performance. “He told me to treat the bounce and pace of Perth as an opportunity. ‘Take it on your shoulders, on your body—it’s like taking a bullet for your country,’ he said. That motivated me to face the challenges head-on,” Nitish Reddy recalled.
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While Reddy’s efforts were commendable, India’s batting lineup crumbled under the relentless Australian bowling attack, managing just 150 runs. Josh Hazlewood led the charge with 4/29, while Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Mitch Marsh chipped in with crucial wickets.
At stumps, India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, fought back brilliantly, leaving Australia at a precarious 67/7. Mohammed Siraj and debutant Harshit Rana provided vital support, setting the stage for a thrilling second day.
