Former Australian captain Michael Clarke wants India’s rookie batter Nitish Kumar Reddy to bat higher up the order in the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia. Reddy has impressed with the bat in the first four Test matches and scored his maiden Test century at the MCG in the fourth Test.
The right-hander scored a majestic knock of 114 runs off 189 balls in the first innings. Reddy added a crucial alliance of 127 runs with Washington Sundar, who scored an imperative knock of 50 runs.
Reddy has scored 294 runs in four Test matches against Australia at an average of 49 and he is currently the third highest run-getter in the series.
Michael Clarke said on Beyond 23 Cricket Podcast, “Reddy, this young kid batting at number eight, is a genius. I think he has definitely got to bat seven if not six. He has been India’s leading run-scorer, 21 years of age, unbelievable. He has been underrated in the entire series. I think he is good enough to bat at number six. So what a great option for India going into the last Test match.”
“He has impressed everyone. He has not feared any Australian bowler. He has been patient when he has needed to be patient. He has batted with the tail extremely well. He has shown his intent. He bats, bowls, and fields.”
On the other hand, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri had earlier said the same while commentating in the fourth Test at the MCG.
“I feel that the way he’s batted, this is the last time he will bat at 7. To get the balance of the side, you need him to go higher up the order, either 5 or 6 and then you have the opportunity of playing 5 bowlers to take the 20 wickets, and he’s given that kind of confidence to the selectors and the team management and the captain.”
“Reddy is fully capable of batting in the top 6. Then it changes the whole balance of the game. You go to Sydney with him batting in the top 6, and you’re playing five bowlers,” he added.
Reddy has definitely shown the right temperament to bat in the lower order and he is certainly capable of batting in the top six.
The fifth and final Test match between Australia and India will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 onwards.
