BCCI Fast-Tracks Nitish Reddy and Mayank Yadav for Australia Tests
Author: Vishnu Reddy
Updated At:
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has fast-tracked Nitish Kumar Reddy and Mayank Yadav to make them a part of the national Test squad. The decision was taken with a clear eye on the upcoming Test series against Australia. Both of the young cricketers are currently in Hyderabad to play in the third Bangladesh T20I and are expected to join Team India in Bengaluru before the New Zealand Test series begins from October 16.
Looking at the current Test lineup of India, it will feature world-class openers, a prolific middle-order strengthened by a player with 29 Test centuries and all-time greats in the wicketkeeping and spin-bowling departments. In spite of these strengths, the team’s two key roles are still left to be filled. These are of a fast bowler and a pace-bowling all-rounder. Additionally, the BCCI has also clarified that it recognizes the importance of these positions and this is particularly true for the looming five-match Test series in Australia, where the betting odds offered by the best cricket betting sites are equally in favour of both the teams.
Nitish Reddy & Mayank Yadav To Travel as Reserve Players for NZ Series
In a search for the solution, the board has added Nitish Reddy and Mayank Yadav as travel reserves to the Indian squad for the New Zealand Tests. These players mainly caught the attention of the selection committee during the 2024 IPL season. During the campaign, Yadav consistently bowled over 150 km/h and peaked at 156.7 km/h. Although both of them could not make their international debuts earlier because of certain injuries, they performed spectacularly in the matches in Gwalior and Delhi when they recently debuted together for India in T20Is.
However, it is to be noted that their Test credentials are still untested. Nitish has played 20 first-class matches and has performed reasonably well with the ball but struggled with the bat. Mayank, on the other hand, bowled just 104 balls in first-class cricket since his progress was hindered by the injuries. Despite these doubtful areas, BCCI has chosen to proceed with the players and sees them capable enough to be exposed to the longer format.
Even though neither player has a guaranteed spot in the Test series against Australia, it is likely that they will feature in India’s ‘A’ team. In case they deliver an impressive performance, a Test debut might not be far-fetched.
Indian Team for the New Zealand Tests
Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep
Travelling Reserves: Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mayank Yadav, Prasidh Krishna
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