The India Cricket Team will be facing Australia in the 4th Test in Melbourne in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. The news from Australia comes that Nitish Kumar Reddy’s spot in the India Playing XI is in major doubt. Reports further claim that Washington Sundar would be likely brought in down the order as a replacement for Reddy.
Now this would be a foolish decision if all things are considered. On a green-top Melbourne pitch, it would be extremely unwise to play 2 spinners. A pitch that would provide huge assistance to pacers should see India playing with 4 pacers, the fourth being Nitish Kumar Reddy.
NKR brilliant with the Bat
Now this is where the problem lies. Nitish Kumar Reddy is not only good with the ball, he has been excellent with the bat. As an anchor in the lower order, he has consistently scored runs. He holds a healthy average of a tad shy of 45 in 5 innings despite not slamming a half-century.
To make matters even better for him, he is India’s third-highest run-getter in the IND vs AUS Test series. Reddy has raked up 179 runs from 5 innings and is currently the fourth-highest run-getter in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. So, letting go of a player who has consistently scored runs makes no sense.
On the other hand, India needs more reinforcements in the batting order. Save the second innings of the Perth Test, India’s batting has been pretty poor. After numerous batting collapses, it has been Reddy who has saved India from the blushes with his batting flourishes.
- Close or overexcited? Mohammed Siraj, Rohit Sharma burn a review early on in Boxing Day Test
- IND vs AUS 4th Test LIVE Score, Day 1: Sam Konstas troubles Bumrah with persistent scoops
- IND vs AUS 4th Test weather report: Rain prediction in Boxing Day Test
- DRS, Dec 26: Trouble for CSK, Rohit Sharma unfair on KL Rahul for Boxing Day Test & Bumrah equals Ashwin
- Virat Kohli admits he “hasn’t been disciplined enough” in Australia, eager to end poor run
Can India make do with 2 spinners?
In all probability, India will be playing with 2 spinners, the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. But this can fair very badly for Rohit Sharma and Co. The MCG pitch is green and will favor the pacers. As a result, the ideal scenario would be for India to go on with the 4 pacer approach.
Jasprit Bumrah would be spearheading the pace attack with Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep. On the other hand, Nitish Kumar Reddy would be the ideal fourth pacer in the team. So far, in his debut series, he has already notched up 3 wickets. And with a pitch assisting the pacers, he would really make the ball shine.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
IND vs AUS 4th Test LIVE Score, Day 1: Sam Konstas troubles Bumrah with persistent scoops
Top Stories
