Adam Gilchrist feels Nitish Kumar Reddy belongs at Test level after impressive start to career

Former Australian wicket-keeper bat Adam Gilchrist noted that India’s debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy looked ready for Test cricket after he made an impressive start to his red-ball career. Reddy joined forces with Rishabh Pant when India was tottering at 73-6 after deciding to bat first on a green pitch at Perth.

The Andhra batter added 48 runs with Rishabh Pant and top-scored in the first innings for India with 41 runs. The right-hander also looked confident against veteran spinner Nathan Lyon as he used the reverse sweep against him.

Adam Gilchrist said on Cricbuzz, “I thought he looked every inch a Test match cricketer out there. He came in with wickets tumbling and had to try and forge a partnership with the ever-dangerous Rishabh Pant. He settled into his innings well. He was positive against Nathan Lyon, who has an outstanding Test record at Perth Stadium.

“So, the momentum shifted somewhat when they were together. That’s an exciting start for the young man,” the 53-year-old on to add.

On the other hand, the former Australian gloveman also showered praise on Rishabh Pant, who scored an impressive knock of 37 runs.

“While Rishabh was there, anything was possible by way of a total. Wickets falling around him always seem to draw a positive response from him. I love watching him play. We’re so excited to see him, given the history and everything – the extraordinary accident that he recovered from,” Gilchrist, who batted in a similar mode to the Indian keeper, stated.

Meanwhile, Reddy said he was just looking to execute his plans on his debut and his partner Rishabh Pant guided him.

“I just went with my plans and my partner Rishabh is an attacking batter. He was guiding me all the time. There was not much drift for Lyon and I decided to get some quick runs and help the team move ahead,” the 21-year-old said.

India ended the second day’s play at 172-0 with a lead of 218 runs.