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Nitish To Get In; Sundar Likely To Pip Kuldeep As Second Spinner For Edgbaston Test: Report

Debashis Sarangi

Nitish Reddy in action [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X]Nitish Reddy in action [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X]

According to emerging reports, Nitish Kumar Reddy is likely to make his Test comeback in India's upcoming encounter against England at Edgbaston. The seam-bowling all-rounder has a significant chance to replace Shardul Thakur following the latter's underwhelming returns with bat and ball in the previous game at Headingley. 

India's Net Session Hints At Reddy's Comeback And Thakur's Ouster

Team India's extended net session in Birmingham gave enough hints at the visitors' probable playing combination for the upcoming Edgbaston Test. While Nitish Kumar Reddy was involved in intense batting, bowling and fielding drills, Thakur didn't bowl when the Indian batters were padded up, reported Express Sports. 

Apart from engaging himself in toiling batting and bowling sessions, Reddy took the crucial gully position, accompanying the Indian slip cordon comprising B Sai Sudharsan, KL Rahul, Karun Nair and captain Shubman Gill. 

Washington Sundar's Nets Exploits May Pave Way For His Inclusion

The report also claimed that Washington Sundar could pip Kuldeep Yadav in the race for India's second spinner for the Birmingham Test. On Monday, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed that the visitors would opt for an extra spin-bowling option, given Edgbaston's pitch is likely to dry up. 

Although the Dutch legend didn't make a clearcut choice between Kuldeep and Sundar, the latter's extended batting sessions hinted at his inclusion over the former. 

As Express Sports revealed, Sundar was unperturbed by the challenges India's throw-down specialists presented before him. He middled the pacy deliveries while also rolling his arms for several overs of off-spin. Kuldeep, on the contrary, got to face the local net bowlers instead of his India teammates. 

Meanwhile, ace speedster Jasprit Bumrah has oozed readiness to feature in the second Test. Although he's available for selection, India will take the final call on his inclusion at the very last minute.