Switching on the TV on a cold, murky morning in hometown Lucknow. I was rewarded by some brilliant rearguard action from India’s most in form batter on show on this Indian tour ‘Down Under’.Young Nitish Reddy, deservedly earned his Test Cap from his idol Virat Kohli and as per team management’s logic he was slotted to bat at No.6being selected as an all rounder in place of Shubhman Gill.
However, as it’s often been happening the top order (barring Jaiswal’s classy show) faltered against the Aussie pacers – it was left to the level headed, technically perfect butinexperienced batter, Nitish, to achieve a remarkable record 8th wicket partnership with the dependable Washy who’s maturely‘Sundar’ batting inspired him- both then blunted the Aussie attack after our senior pros had left the team tottering again !
Against the predictable run of play with all going the Aussie way, Nitish and Washy completely caught themoff guard with their steady yet sparkling stroke play and rotation of strike with defence that seemed impregnable, till Washy edged one to the slips. Suddenly, it seemed Nitish, now in his 90s was running out of partners and it was the dauntless Siraj to who held his end and finally with a flourish came, the most masterly century by the third youngest Indian batter against cricket’s best opposition. The match that was heading one way till Nitish came, now’s become anyone’s game !
After this stupendous performance Nitish Reddy deserves to go up the order possibly No.4. It’s also time for Rohit to rethink onhis own position in the team but let’s see…
Working on Living 