In an exhilarating display of skill and composure, Nitish Kumar Reddy left fans and commentators in awe with an audacious reverse-scoop six off Australia’s Scott Boland during the second Test of India’s tour to Australia at the Adelaide Oval. This spectacular shot, which came on the opening day of the Test match, not only showcased Reddy’s innate talent but also highlighted his resilience in the face of a daunting Australian pace attack.
Nitish Reddy’s Exceptional Performance in a Challenging Situation
Reddy, who was playing only his second Test match, found himself fighting a lone battle in India’s first innings, as his teammates struggled against the fiery Australian bowlers. Despite the pressure, the right-handed batsman from Andhra Pradesh top-scored for India with a gritty 42 off 54 balls. His innings was the highlight of an otherwise disappointing batting performance by India, who were bowled out for just 180 runs in their first innings.
The highlight of Reddy’s innings came in the 42nd over, when he faced Scott Boland, one of Australia’s most consistent bowlers. Reddy, who was already in position, executed a perfectly timed reverse-scoop shot that sent the ball sailing over the third-man boundary for a six. The stroke was as unconventional as it was stunning, drawing gasps of disbelief from commentators and fans alike. The shot not only demonstrated Reddy’s fearless approach but also his ability to read the game and take on the bowlers in challenging conditions.
A Brave Fightback Amidst a Dominant Australian Bowling Attack
Reddy’s remarkable reverse-scoop was not the only instance of brilliance in his innings. In the same over, he followed up with a boundary and another six, adding some much-needed runs to India’s total. However, he was ultimately dismissed as the last Indian batter, falling to Mitchell Starc, who wreaked havoc on India’s batting lineup with impressive figures of 6/48.
The Australian pacers, led by Starc, Boland, and Pat Cummins, dominated the second session of play, extracting plenty of movement with the pink ball. Starc’s inswingers proved lethal as he dismissed Ravichandran Ashwin and Harshit Rana, while Cummins’ sharp bouncers kept the Indian batters on edge. Reddy’s determined knock, including his sixes off Starc and Boland, was a testament to his fighting spirit, even as the wickets continued to fall at the other end.
Mitchell Starc’s Career-Best Performance Against India
While Reddy’s efforts were commendable, the Australian pacers were relentless. Mitchell Starc’s 6-wicket haul marked a career milestone, as it was his maiden five-wicket performance against India in Test cricket. His superb bowling, coupled with the effective use of the short ball by Pat Cummins, kept India on the backfoot throughout the day.
India’s early promise, especially a solid partnership between KL Rahul (37) and Shubman Gill (31), was undone by Starc’s timely breakthroughs. He dismissed both Rahul and Virat Kohli in quick succession, swinging the momentum firmly in Australia’s favor. Boland then sent Gill packing with a full delivery that trapped him lbw, leaving India reeling at 82/4 at the tea break.
India’s Struggle in the Face of Australian Dominance
India’s top order crumbled under the relentless Australian pace attack. Rohit Sharma, batting in the middle order after six years, was dismissed for a meager 3 runs, caught in front by a sharp delivery from Boland. Rishabh Pant also fell to a bouncer from Cummins, adding to India’s woes. At 82/4, India’s hopes of putting up a challenging total appeared slim.
However, Reddy’s perseverance, alongside Ashwin’s contribution of 22 runs off 22 balls, allowed India to inch closer to a more respectable total. Despite Reddy’s resistance, India lost their final three wickets for just 12 runs, ending the innings at 180.
Watch Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Reverse-Scoop Six
Reddy’s reverse-scoop six off Scott Boland is now one of the most memorable moments from this Test, offering a glimpse of the skill and audacity needed to tackle top-class bowling. As India looks to regroup in the second innings, Reddy’s performance stands as a bright spot in an otherwise challenging encounter.
With the match poised for a thrilling conclusion, cricket fans around the world will undoubtedly be keeping an eye on Reddy’s future performances, hoping for more moments of brilliance from the young Indian batsman.
