Kumble Urges India to Back Reddy for Long-Term Test Role After Lord's Display

Kumble Champions Reddy as Future Fixture in India's Test Squad

Former Indian captain Anil Kumble has voiced his support for all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, suggesting he could become a permanent fixture in India's Test cricket team. Kumble's endorsement follows Reddy's impressive performance in the ongoing England tour, where he secured two crucial wickets on the first day of the third Test at Lord's.

Reddy, playing only his second match on the tour, distinguished himself as India's most successful bowler on the day.

Kumble, speaking on JioStar's 'Match Centre Live', said, "I was surprised at how well Nitish Kumar Reddy bowled. He consistently hit the right areas. That short ball down leg side was a gift, but otherwise, he was disciplined."

He further added, "I thought he did quite well in Australia - got a hundred with the bat and bowled decently even if he didn't take many wickets. What you need from someone like him is to break partnerships and give the fast bowlers a breather while still maintaining control. He bowled nearly 14 overs in a spell - that shows fitness and control. He's young, he's a capable batter with a century under his belt, and he's a sharp fielder. India should persist with him and avoid the temptation to chop and change."

The pitch at Lord's presented challenges for batsmen, leading England to modify their traditionally aggressive approach, ultimately closing the day at 251/4.

Kumble observed, "It was evident right from the start that it was going to be a grind for the batters. The openers struggled to score off the new ball, and this was the kind of pitch where you had to work hard for your runs."

He continued, "I thought the Indian bowlers bowled really good areas consistently and that's one of the reasons India managed to restrict England to 251. England will be fairly satisfied with just four wickets down. India will probably reflect tonight and feel that one or two more wickets could have put the match firmly in their favour. As it stands, it's evenly poised."

Former England player Jonathan Trott also commented on the change in England's batting strategy.

"It was an interesting day, starting right from the toss. England took a different approach compared to the first two Tests. I thought Ollie Pope (44) came out in typical 'Bazball' style -- attacking early -- but quickly realised that this wasn't that kind of pitch. Credit to him for adjusting his game. We also saw Joe Root look fluent -- a beautiful cover drive and a clip through mid-wicket off Siraj stood out. Once he got going, it felt like he'd bat deep. I thought England might go after Jadeja in the final over of the day, but sense prevailed," Trott stated.