Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke reckons India's new batting hero Nitish Reddy should bat higher in the order amid growing calls to promote him in the batting unit. The reaction came with Reddy emerging as the leading run-scorer for the tourists with 294 runs while largely batting at 7 or 8.
Clarke believes the youngster should be in the top six in the fifth or final Test in Sydney, which begins on January 3. Reddy smashed his maiden century, scoring 114 in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne after three promising 40s in the five-game Test series.
Clarke told Beyond 23 Cricket Podcast (via India Today):
“Reddy, this young kid batting at number eight, is a genius. I think he has definitely got to bat seven if not six. He has been India's leading run-scorer, 21 years of age, unbelievable. He has been underrated in the entire series. I think he is good enough to bat at number six. So what a great option for India going into the last Test match.”
The 43-year-old credited Reddy for playing a fearless brand of cricket, which has reaped him the rewards. He said:
“He has impressed everyone. He has not feared any Australian bowler. He has been patient when he has needed to be patient. He has batted with the tail extremely well. He has shown his intent. He bats, bowls, and fields.”
"You need him to go higher up the order" – When former coach echoed similar sentiments as Michael Clarke regarding India sensation's batting position
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri had earlier advocated for Nitish Kumar Reddy’s promotion in the batting order. He told Star Sports:
I feel that the way he's batted, this is the last time he will bat at 7. To get the balance of the side, you need him to go higher up the order, either 5 or 6 and then you have the opportunity of playing 5 bowlers to take the 20 wickets, and he's given that kind of confidence to the selectors and the team management and the captain.”
“Reddy is fully capable of batting in the top 6. Then it changes the whole balance of the game. You go to Sydney with him batting in the top 6, and you're playing five bowlers,” he added.
Nitish Reddy will now be keen to help the Men in Blue emerge victorious in Sydney to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The tourists are currently trailing the five-game series 1-2 after losing the fourth Test by 184 runs in Melbourne.
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