Former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes that Indian youngster Nitish Reddy has to be promoted in the batting lineup for the fifth test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
Clarke feels that Nitish has been underrated throughout the series who helped the side with a maiden test century after India reduced to 191/6. He destroyed Australian bowlers and delivered a fifty on a stunning performance in ‘Pushpa’ style to celebrate his fifty.
He didn’t slow down from there and went to smash his maiden test century at Melbourne.
“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,” said Clarke.
I think he is good enough to bat at number six. So what a great option for India going into the last Test match.”
Nitish’s run tally in the ongoing BGT series surged to 294 runs, making him the second highest run getter for India in the series.
Clarke saw Nitish’s batting masterclass and believes that 21 year old to move up in the order.
“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,” Clarke said.
“This guy is a very good find for the Indian cricket team. 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 added.
“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.
Australia secured a unassisable 2-1 lead in the BGT with an 184-run victory in the fourth test at Melbourne after the third match resulted in a draw. The final match of the five match series will begin on January 03 at Sydney Cricket Ground.
