Prospective Test Debut for Nitish Reddy: India's New Promise

In the most telling hint yet about Nitish Reddy's possible Test debut in Perth, India's bowling coach Morne Morkel lavished praise on the 21-year-old young talent, suggesting that he can 'hold one end up' for India in the five Tests in Australia. The skilled all-rounder from Andhra has displayed a promising performance in 2024, with his noteworthy IPL season and his subsequent T20I entry. Despite having just 23 first-class games under his belt, Reddy provides the team with the type of player they've been on the lookout for on overseas tours - a seam-bowling allrounder.

Reddy showcased his talent in both the A games in Mackay and Melbourne, creating two robust partnerships with Dhruv Jurel in the second games. His spell of 31 overs across four innings, with minimal runs conceded under three-an-over in three of those innings, demonstrated his prowess.

"[Nitish Reddy] is one of the emerging players that we've identified. He's got an impressive batting [and] all-round capability. He hits the bat a little bit harder than anticipated. Hence, in conditions where there might be seam movement, particularly during the first couple of days, he would be a valuable bowler. He's singularly accurate, a wicket-to-wicket style of bowler. It's an excellent chance for him to satisfy that allrounder role," said Morkel.

Morkel and Indian management are also monitoring Mohammed Shami, who is showing signs of a strong return in a domestic game. Shami picked seven wickets across two innings in his first competitive match post his hiatus due to injury. The team management seems to be in no rush to send Shami to Australia, yet they are hopeful about Shubman Gill's recovery in time for the series opener. Gill, the top-order batter had recently suffered a hairline fracture to his left thumb during India's match simulation in Perth.