IND vs AUS: 'Take a Bullet for Your Country', How Gambhir's Words Fueled Nitish Kumar Reddy's Heroic Debut

Add as a preferred source on Google

IND vs AUS: In a thrilling start to the highly-anticipated Test match at Perth's Optus Stadium, batters from both India and Australia struggled to adapt to a track that offered formidable assistance to pace bowlers.

In a day marked by carnage, 17 wickets fell, with only a few brave knocks managing to push back against the relentless onslaught from the fast bowlers on both sides.

Top batters on either side, including Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, KL Rahul, and Usman Khawaja, found themselves struggling for runs as the fast bowlers exploited the "spicy" pitch on Friday (November 22).

With Jasprit Bumrah leading the Indian side, the visitors managed to post a modest total of 150, thanks largely to gritty efforts by Rishabh Pant and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy, whose valiant resistance kept the Indian innings afloat.

Pant and Reddy Lead India's Resistance

Amid the chaos, Rishabh Pant stood tall, proving his value once again with a hard-fought 37 off 78 deliveries. Known for his resilience and aggressive style, Pant showcased some daring shots that had fans on the edge of their seats, as he bailed India out of a precarious situation.

His brief but crucial partnership with debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy gave India a fighting chance, adding 48 runs for the seventh wicket before Pant was finally dismissed by Australian captain Pat Cummins.

NKR leaves everyone impressed

Playing his first Test on Australian soil, 21-year-old Reddy showed immense composure and skill, managing a solid 41 off 59 balls. The debutant's strokeplay and calm presence at the crease were nothing short of impressive, as he carefully negotiated the hostility of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins. With his performance, Reddy has announced himself as a player to watch, particularly on challenging overseas tours.

Reflecting on his knock at day's end, Reddy shared insights from a conversation with head coach Gautam Gambhir - who was also known for his fighting spirit in his cricket days - suggested he take all the bouncers like a bullet for his country.

"I was having a chat with Gautam Gambhir sir. He told me, any bouncer just play it over your shoulder. Take it like a bullet for your country. That's the best thing," Reddy said with a smile. Also Read: IND vs AUS: Bumrah, Harshit Rana and Siraj set stage for an enchanting BGT

The young Andhra all-rounder described his experience of receiving his Test cap from his idol, Virat Kohli, as a 'dream come true'. "(It was a) Dream to get the Test cap from my idol Virat Kohli and to walk out for India. It is a proud moment," said the Visakhapatnam cricketer.

Indian Bowlers Strike Back

In response to India's modest first innings score of 150, Australia's batters met a similar fate as they crumbled under the disciplined Indian pace attack. At stumps, Australia was left reeling at 67/7, trailing India by 83 runs with most of their recognized batters back in the pavilion. Bumrah led by example, tearing through the Aussie top order and demonstrating why he's considered one of the most lethal bowlers in world cricket.

Nitish Kumar Reddy, who had yet to bowl in the innings, praised Bumrah's leadership and tactical approach: "Bumrah has been very good as a captain. He let the ball do the talking, and his over changes were spot on," Reddy noted.

Reddy further reflected on the pace and bounce at the venue, remarking that "it felt similar to the MCG, only with more bounce." When it came to Australia's spin spearhead Nathan Lyon, Reddy said, "Against Lyon, I felt it was easier to score. We saw it as an opportunity to get some quick runs and kept pushing against him."

A Crucial Day Ahead for India

With Australia in trouble and trailing, Day 2 promises to be another gripping chapter in what could be a low-scoring but fiercely competitive Test. India's bowlers have set up a strong position, and the team will aim to extend their lead and put pressure on Australia as they look to cement their grip on this challenging encounter. As Nitish Kumar Reddy summed up, "We have the advantage right now. Hopefully, we bat well in the second innings and capitalise on it."