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'Batting Ability': Morkel Praises All-Rounder Nitish Reddy; Hints At Test Debut In Perth

Akshita Patel

Morne Morkel rates Nitish Reddy highly ahead of Perth Test [Source: @lorris03, @VikasYadav66200/X.com]Morne Morkel rates Nitish Reddy highly ahead of Perth Test [Source: @lorris03, @VikasYadav66200/X.com]

India's bowling coach Morne Morkel addressed a press conference ahead of the first Test against Australia. In an important statement, Morkel praised 21-year-old Nitish Reddy and his all-round skills, thus hinting at his potential Test debut in Perth. 

India will take on Australia for the opening match of the Border-Gavaskar Series in Perth on November 22. As players are busy with final preparations, visitors bowling coach Morne Morkel addressed a press conference at Optus Stadium in Perth.

He dropped an injury update on Shubman Gill, noting that the batter is recovering well from the finger injury. Morkel also spoke on Jasprit Bumrah's leadership role and expectations from stalwart Virat Kohli. 

Morkel impressed with Nitish Reddy's all-round skills

Interestingly, Morne Morkel also spoke about Nitish Reddy. The 21-year-old all-rounder from Andhra Pradesh is on his first Test assignment and speculations suggest that a debut is on the cards.

Meanwhile, Morne Morkel fuelled those rumours saying that the team management values Reddy's all-round skills. He is someone who can hold one end of the crease for almost 2 days and also someone who bowls wicket to wicket. Morkel deemed Reddy an all-rounder who makes a pacer's life easier and that quality makes him a special player. 

"He is one of the young guys. Batting all round ability. He'll be one guy who can hold one end for us, especially for the first couple of days. Wicket to wicket bowler. Any team in the world would want an all rounder who can help the pacers. It'll be on Jasprit how he uses them. Definitely a guy to keep an eye on in the series," Morkel said.

The coach also added that it's up to Jasprit Bumrah as to how he chooses to use him, meaning Nitish Reddy is set to be included in the playing XI for the Perth Test where Bumrah is leading in Rohit Sharma's absence.  

Padikkal likely to replace Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill's unfortunate injury has added new dimensions to India's playing XI for the Perth Test. Gill injured his fingers in the practice session and is likely to be ruled out of the series opener. Moreover, Devdutt Padikkal has been moved from the reserves to the main squad, meaning the Karnataka native is in line to replace Gill in Perth and make his away Test debut for India.