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Morne Morkel, India's bowling coach, has highlighted the potential of young all-rounder Nitish Reddy for the upcoming Test series against Australia. Morkel's endorsement is significant, suggesting Reddy is a strong contender for a debut. Reddy's rapid rise in 2024, marked by a successful IPL season and his T20I debut, has clearly impressed the coaching staff. Despite having only 23 first-class matches under his belt, his seam-bowling all-rounder profile aligns perfectly with India's needs for overseas tours. His performances in the India A matches, particularly his consistent bowling economy and solid partnerships with Dhruv Jurel, further solidify his claim. Morkel specifically praised Reddy's ability to 'hold one end up,' particularly crucial in the initial days of a Test match, highlighting his value as a reliable support bowler for India's pace attack. The fact that Morkel considers him a player any team would want underscores Reddy's potential to be a key player for India in Australia.
The article also focuses on the return of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, who recently played his first competitive match after a year-long injury layoff. Shami's performance in the Ranji Trophy, where he took seven wickets across two innings, is a positive sign for India. However, the coaching staff is taking a cautious approach, emphasizing the need to manage his return carefully. His inclusion in the Bengal squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, starting November 23rd, indicates a gradual reintegration into competitive cricket, rather than an immediate rush to Australia. Morkel's comments emphasize the team's commitment to supporting Shami's rehabilitation and ensuring his long-term fitness. The focus on Shami's gradual return highlights the importance of prioritizing player well-being alongside performance.
Finally, the article addresses the injury status of key batsman Shubman Gill, who suffered a hairline fracture in his left thumb during a match simulation. While the injury was initially expected to rule him out of the first Test, Morkel reports encouraging progress in Gill's recovery. The day-to-day assessment indicates a potential for Gill's inclusion in the opening match, demonstrating the team's hope for his swift recovery. The presence of Devdutt Padikkal as a backup top-order batsman further illustrates India's preparedness for various scenarios, ensuring they have depth in their batting lineup. The cautious optimism regarding Gill's recovery and the contingency plans in place showcase the team management's meticulous approach to player fitness and selection.
Source: Nitish Reddy a guy to keep an eye on this series - Morne Morkel