Nitish Kumar Reddy set to make Test debut with Perth encounter

Young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is set to make his Test debut in the first Test against Australia in Perth on November 22. The 21-year-old earned his maiden call-up for the series and the team management is happy with his progress, which may result in him earning the cap. However, his progress will be closely monitored in the next few days before the team management confirms the move.

As per reports, the Indian team is considering him as fourth seam bowling option. Previously, Hardik Pandya was given the same role, which later Shardul Thakur took over and now, Nitish is being prepared. He has played 23 First Class games so far in his career, picking up 56 wickets, and is someone who can bat well at number seven or eight. 

The Optus Stadium in Perth is expected to help the seamers, as there’s plenty of bounce on the surface and the ball carries well. As per Indian Express, the team management has identified that and are preparing Nitish for the same. Recently, the Visakhapatnam-born cricketer played two unofficial Tests against Australia, in which, he picked up only one wicket in four innings, which is not a great sign, but there’s belief that he can improve.

With the bat, Nitish is a handy option, but he doesn’t have experience playing in Australia and his numbers - 0, 17, 16, 38 are also worrying. However, he is being backed heavily as the team doesn’t have any other pace-bowling all-rounder in the squad at the moment. Meanwhile, either Ravichandran Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja is expected to feature in the Test.

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When it comes to pace bowling, Jasprit Bumrah will pair with Mohammed Siraj. Either Akash Deep or Harshit Rana may be seen as the third pacer. Rana has done a commendable job in the practice sessions, but Akash’s experience and the ability to pick wickets with the new ball will be considered before the playing XI is picked.