Reddy shines at Lord’s, credits Cummins & Morkel for bowling boost
Nitish Kumar Reddy, the fast-bowling all-rounder, made a significant impact with the ball on Day 1 of the third Test at Lord’s, helping India to restrict England to 246/7 at stumps. Reddy bowled just six overs in the second Test at Edgbaston, but he was a different bowler altogether at Lord’s, taking two wickets and giving away just 24 runs. The 24-year-old credited his IPL captain, Pat Cummins, and India bowling coach, Morne Morkel, for his improvement with the ball.
Reddy’s performance was a welcome boost for India, who were looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat at Edgbaston. The team management had been searching for a bowling combination that could trouble the English batsmen, and Reddy’s success with the new ball could be a key factor in India’s bid to level the series.
Speaking to the media after the day’s play, Reddy said that Cummins and Morkel had played a crucial role in his development as a bowler. “Pat Cummins has been a great captain for me at Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Morne Morkel has been fantastic as our bowling coach,” Reddy said. “They have both given me a lot of feedback and guidance, and I think that’s helped me to improve my game significantly.”
Reddy revealed that Cummins had worked with him on his action and pace, helping him to develop a more consistent and accurate delivery. “Pat has been working with me on my action and pace, and I think that’s helped me to become a more threatening bowler,” Reddy said. “He’s always been very supportive and has given me a lot of confidence, which has been a big help.”
Morkel, meanwhile, had worked with Reddy on his variations and ability to adapt to different conditions. “Morne has been fantastic in terms of helping me to develop my variations and ability to adapt to different conditions,” Reddy said. “He’s given me a lot of tips and advice on how to bowl effectively in different situations, and I think that’s helped me to become a more versatile bowler.”
Reddy’s success with the ball was not the only positive for India on Day 1. The team’s top-order batsmen, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, also made significant contributions, sharing a 126-run partnership to help India reach 78/2 at stumps.
Rohit Sharma, who scored 51, said that the team was looking to build on their partnership and make the most of the good start. “We’re happy with the way we batted today, and we’re looking to build on that tomorrow,” Rohit said. “We know that England have a strong bowling attack, but we’re confident in our ability to adapt and respond to different situations.”
KL Rahul, who scored 37, added that the team was focused on making the most of the good start and taking the game away from England. “We’re looking to take the game away from England and make it difficult for them to come back,” KL Rahul said. “We know that we have a strong batting line-up, and we’re confident in our ability to make big scores.”
India’s bowlers will be looking to build on Reddy’s success with the new ball and make the most of the good start. The team management will be hoping that the bowlers can continue to trouble the English batsmen and take the game away from the hosts.
Reddy’s performance was a welcome boost for India, and his credit to Cummins and Morkel was a testament to the importance of good coaching and guidance in the development of young players. As the team looks to bounce back from a disappointing defeat, Reddy’s success with the ball could be a key factor in their bid to level the series.
