India bowling coach Morne Morkel praised Andhra all-rounder Nitish Reddy and said that the youngster was the one to keep an eye on ahead of the first BGT 2024 Test against Australia in Perth that begins on November 22.
Nitish Reddy was picked in the Indian Test squad based on his performances in IPL 2024 and T20Is. He has played 23 FC matches but brings a skill that Indian team management has always needed on overseas tours, of being a pace-bowling all-rounder.
Nitish played in both the A games in Mackay and Melbourne, forging two solid partnerships with Dhruv Jurel in the second fixtures. He also bowled 31 overs across four innings, conceding runs at under three-an-over in three of them.
"He [Nitish Reddy] is one of the young guys. [There's] all-round ability. He'll be one guy who can hold one end up for us, especially for the first couple of days. [He's a] wicket-to-wicket bowler. Any team in the world would want an all-rounder who can help pacers. It'll be on Jasprit [Bumrah] how he uses them. Definitely a guy to keep an eye on in the series,” Morkel said in a press conference.
Morne Morkel also spoke about Mohammad Shami, who returned to competitive cricket after a one-year absence due to ankle surgery. He picked up seven wickets across two innings in the Ranji game for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh.
Shami bowled 43.2 overs overall and it seems that Indian team management is in no rush to bring him back. Shami has also been picked in Bengal's squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which will take place from November 23 to December 15.
"We are keeping a close eye on Shami. He has been out for a year. For us, it is a massive win that he is back playing. How can we give him the best support to find his feet again? [We're] Working closely with the people back home. He is a world-class bowler," Morkel said.
Morkel also was hopeful of Shubman Gill gaining full fitness in time for the Perth Test. Gill had suffered a thumb injury during fielding practice, but a fracture was ruled out after scans. India has also got Devdutt Padikkal to stay back after featuring for India A, as a top-order back-up.
"Shubman [Gill] is improving on a day-by-day basis. We will take a call on the morning of the Test. He played well in the match simulation during the build-up, so fingers crossed," Morkel said.
After the series opener in Perth on November 22, the second Test, featuring the day-night format, will take place under lights at Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10.
Fans will then turn their attention to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test from December 14 to 18. The traditional Boxing Day Test, scheduled from December 26 to 30 at Melbourne's iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, will mark the series' penultimate stage.
The fifth and final Test will be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, promising an exciting climax to a highly anticipated series.
(ANI inputs)
