Nitish Kumar Reddy Ruled Out Of India-England Test Series: Report
Star all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy on Sunday (July 20) has been ruled out of the last two matches of the ongoing five-match Test series between India and England. According to a report in ESPNCricinfo, the 22-year-old cricketer from Andhra Pradesh suffered a knee injury while training in the gym on Sunday, with scans revealing ligament damage.
The news of Reddy getting injured is a big setback to India's chances of winning a Test series in England after 18 years. The visitors are already dealing with injury-related issues for Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, and Rishabh Pant. While Akash Deep and Arshdeep are all set to miss the match in Manchester starting July 23, Pant's participation as wicketkeeper is still doubtful.
In the absence of Reddy, who scored 43 runs (30 and 13) and picked up three wickets (2 and 1) in the Lord's Test, Mumbai all-rounder Shardul Thakur is likely to be part of India's playing XI in the Manchester Test. Shardul, who has 33 wickets to his name in 12 Tests played so far, was picked ahead of Nitish in the series opener played at Headingley in Leeds last month, but he failed to do much with the bat and ball.
Reddy's record in Tests
Nitish made his Test debut for India against Australia in Perth on November 22, 2024, and impressed with his batting. He scored 41 runs in the first innings of the red-ball match played at Optus Stadium and remained unbeaten on 38 in the second. In his debut Test for India, he also picked up one wicket (clean bowled Mitchell Marsh) in the second innings.
Reddy scored his maiden Test century for India in the first innings of the Boxing Day Test against Australia, which was played from December 26 to 30 at Melbourne Cricket Ground. But his 114-run knock went in vain as India suffered a defeat by 184 runs.
Reddy has played a total of seven Tests for India so far and has scored 343 runs in 13 innings in addition to taking eight wickets. His best bowling figures in Tests are 2 for 32 in seven overs.
In the ongoing Anderson-Trophy Trophy, Nitish scored 2 runs (1 and 1) in the second Test, but despite that, he was retained in India's playing XI for the third Test.
view comments
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
Morkel hails 'natural leader' Siraj after Indian pacers fight back at The Oval on Day 4: 'He gives the team that spark'
India bowling coach Morne Morkel was all praise for senior pacer Mohammed Siraj, who struck twice during England's chase of the 3740run target at The Oval to move to the top of the wicket-takers' list for the series. read more India pacer Mohammed Siraj moved to the top of the wicket-takers' list for the ongoing series after dismissing England captain Ollie Pope on Day 4 of the fifth Test at The Oval. Reuters India bowling coach Morne Morkel heaped praise on Mohammed Siraj for his consistency in the tour of England, in which the senior pacer is set to finish as the leading wicket-taker at the end of the fifth and final Test at The Oval. Siraj had dismissed England opener Zak Crawley at the stroke of stumps on Saturday to leave England at 50/1 in their chase of 374, and trapped stand-in captain Ollie Pope LBW on Day 4 to collect his 20th wicket of the series, which took him past England's Josh Tongue to the top of the wicket-takers' list. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD South African pace legend Morkel heaped praise on Siraj after a , adding that the 30-year-old pacer from Hyderabad was finally getting the recognition that he deserves. 'Siraj has been outstanding. He's a natural leader - doesn't say much, but his actions drive the group. I'm really pleased he's getting the recognition. Whether it's an extra spell or lifting the crowd when things go flat, he gives the team that spark,' Morkel told reporters after stumps on the penultimate day. 'He just said, 'I want to play this match, I want to win it for the team.' That's the kind of attitude that wins Tests,' the 40-year-old further revealed on the topic of Siraj's workload in the five-Test series. Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for the fifth Test as part of his workload management, is fourth on the wicket-takers' list with 14 scalps while Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna have collected 13 each, sitting at the fifth and sixth spots respectively. With India needing four wickets to pull off a series-leveling victory in London, Siraj is set to finish as the most successful bowler in the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Can't afford to throw in the towel' The penultimate day of the final Test witnessed one of the most dramatic days of cricket across the series, setting up a thrilling conclusion on the final day even if the match is likely to conclude before lunch on Monday. And Morkel, for one, felt that India could not afford to slip up heading into the final day of the series. 'The series had moments like that – up and down. We managed to break the partnership. Unfortunately, rain came in and we will come tomorrow. 'You can't afford to throw in the towel. Key was to break that partnership. Just create a bit of pressure,' Morkel added. Also Read | Brook and Root's zen-like batting, Indian pace fight back sets up fitting denouement to dramatic Test series India were firmly on top after Prasidh and Siraj dismissed Ben Duckett (54) and Ollie Pope (27) respectively, reducing England to 106/3. The in-form Harry Brook would then be handed a lifeline on 19 after a thick top-edge off a short ball from Prasidh carried the ball to long leg, where Siraj would collect the catch – only to step on the boundary cushion with his back foot, resulting in agony from joy for the bowler in a couple of seconds. Brook and Root would then go on to bring up their centuries and forge a mammoth 195-run stand that took England to 301/3, at which point the hosts appeared set for another successful 370-plus chase against India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Indian pacers, however, refused to give up. Brook was eventually caught by Siraj off Akash's bowling shortly before tea while Prasidh struck twice shortly after tea, dismissing Jacob Bethell and Root in successive overs, leaving India needing four – or three, if an injured Chris Woakes fails to bat – wickets to win. England were 339/6 in 76.2 overs when bad light followed by a spell of heavy rain ensured all five matches in the Test series went into the final day.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
Root cites Pant's bravery when asked whether Chris Woakes will bat for ENG on Day 5 at The Oval: 'He is in pain but..'
Joe Root has provided a massive update on Chris Woakes ahead of the fifth and final day of the 5th Test. Woakes sustained a devastating blow to his shoulder on Day 1, which ruled him out for the remainder of the Test. read more Joe Root provides an update on Chris Woakes ahead of the fifth and final day of the Oval Test. Screengrab: Sonyliv/ANI After rain halted the play on Day 4 of the Oval Test, the action now moves to Day 5, where a thrilling conclusion is set to unfold. England will resume proceedings needing another 35 runs to win the match and clinch the series 3-1. India on the other hand, will aim to steal the victory by taking the remaining wickets. However, the question that has arisen ahead of the fifth and final day is: How many wickets does Team India need to take? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Given that , India need to take four more wickets. But then Chris Woakes is injured and did not bat in the first innings. Thus, that makes it three wickets. Not quite! The suspense thickens as Joe Root has provided a massive update on Woakes and addressed the query regarding whether the pacer will come out to bat or not, if needed. Notably, Woakes sustained a nasty blow to the shoulder on Day 1 of the 5th Test and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. Root, nevertheless, has come up with a contradictory statement. Citing the example of Rishabh Pant, who made a heroic return to the crease in the fourth Test in Manchester after suffering a toe fracture, Root stated that Woakes is ready and will hold the bat for England if the situation calls for it. "Chris Woakes in a huge amount of pain but we have seen this series - Pant batting with a broken foot, Woakes is ready to put body on the line for England". Root said after the end of the day's play. Considering the visuals that came out on Day 4 of Woakes, he does not look in the right state to bat for England. But the passion to win could wane the pain. Look who's in his whites in the dressing room 👀 — England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 3, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In another case, Root's statement could be a mind game as well. He might want to disseminate the message to the Indian bowlers that they will have to dig deep in order to take the win. With all to look forward to, the series is set to have a thrilling climax. It will be intriguing to see who comes out on top on Day 5.
India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
Recognition of Siraj thrills bowling coach Morne Morkel: His actions drive the group
Mohammed Siraj's action drive this group: Morkel praises India's natural leader (PTI Photo) Morne Morkel calls Siraj a natural leader who inspires the team Siraj has bowled more than 180 overs across five Tests He leads India's wicket tally with 20 dismissals in the series India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has expressed delight at Mohammed Siraj finally receiving the recognition he deserves, praising the pacer's unwavering commitment and consistency throughout the five-match Test series against England. Morkel described Siraj as a "natural leader" whose actions have inspired those around him and helped drive the team forward during a gruelling summer. Siraj, who has featured in every Test of the series, leads India's wicket tally with 20 dismissals. Across conditions that have tested bowlers both physically and mentally, the 30-year-old has been a tireless presence, spearheading the Indian attack with pace, skill and unrelenting effort. "Siraj has been outstanding," Morkel said following the fourth day's play in the final Test at The Oval. "He's a natural leader - doesn't say much, but his actions drive the group. I'm really pleased he's getting the recognition. Whether it's an extra spell or lifting the crowd when things go flat, he gives the team that spark." Oval Test, Day 4 Highlights | Full Scorecard Morkel also revealed that Siraj had insisted on playing the fifth Test despite the heavy workload: "He just said, 'I want to play this match, I want to win it for the team.' That's the kind of attitude that wins Tests." In the ongoing final Test, Siraj has once again delivered a wholehearted performance. Tasked with defending a target of 374, he has bowled with intensity and discipline, keeping England's batters in check. While his return of two wickets may seem modest, his presence has been central to India's spirited fightback. Remarkably, Siraj has bowled more than 180 overs across nine innings in the series - a rare workload in an era where rest and rotation are closely managed. His determination to feature in all five Tests is a testament to his resilience and commitment to the team. In England's second innings at The Oval, Siraj has already bowled 26 overs - the most by any Indian bowler in the innings. Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna have sent down 20 and 22 overs respectively. At stumps on Day 4, England were 339 for 6, needing just 35 more runs to secure a 3–1 series win. Jamie Smith (2*) and Jamie Overton (0*) will resume the chase on Monday morning, while India require four wickets - potentially only three if Chris Woakes, nursing a shoulder injury, does not bat - to level the series 2-2. In a summer that has tested stamina and character, Siraj has emerged not only as a reliable strike bowler but also as a symbol of resolve and professionalism. At a time when 'workload management' has become a focal point of modern cricket, his ability to compete in five consecutive Tests underscores his elite fitness and mental toughness. For Morkel and the Indian camp, Siraj's contributions have gone far beyond statistics. "I'm thrilled he's getting the credit," Morkel said. "He plays for the badge, and that sort of commitment drives the rest of the team forward." India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has expressed delight at Mohammed Siraj finally receiving the recognition he deserves, praising the pacer's unwavering commitment and consistency throughout the five-match Test series against England. Morkel described Siraj as a "natural leader" whose actions have inspired those around him and helped drive the team forward during a gruelling summer. Siraj, who has featured in every Test of the series, leads India's wicket tally with 20 dismissals. Across conditions that have tested bowlers both physically and mentally, the 30-year-old has been a tireless presence, spearheading the Indian attack with pace, skill and unrelenting effort. "Siraj has been outstanding," Morkel said following the fourth day's play in the final Test at The Oval. "He's a natural leader - doesn't say much, but his actions drive the group. I'm really pleased he's getting the recognition. Whether it's an extra spell or lifting the crowd when things go flat, he gives the team that spark." Oval Test, Day 4 Highlights | Full Scorecard Morkel also revealed that Siraj had insisted on playing the fifth Test despite the heavy workload: "He just said, 'I want to play this match, I want to win it for the team.' That's the kind of attitude that wins Tests." In the ongoing final Test, Siraj has once again delivered a wholehearted performance. Tasked with defending a target of 374, he has bowled with intensity and discipline, keeping England's batters in check. While his return of two wickets may seem modest, his presence has been central to India's spirited fightback. Remarkably, Siraj has bowled more than 180 overs across nine innings in the series - a rare workload in an era where rest and rotation are closely managed. His determination to feature in all five Tests is a testament to his resilience and commitment to the team. In England's second innings at The Oval, Siraj has already bowled 26 overs - the most by any Indian bowler in the innings. Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna have sent down 20 and 22 overs respectively. At stumps on Day 4, England were 339 for 6, needing just 35 more runs to secure a 3–1 series win. Jamie Smith (2*) and Jamie Overton (0*) will resume the chase on Monday morning, while India require four wickets - potentially only three if Chris Woakes, nursing a shoulder injury, does not bat - to level the series 2-2. In a summer that has tested stamina and character, Siraj has emerged not only as a reliable strike bowler but also as a symbol of resolve and professionalism. At a time when 'workload management' has become a focal point of modern cricket, his ability to compete in five consecutive Tests underscores his elite fitness and mental toughness. For Morkel and the Indian camp, Siraj's contributions have gone far beyond statistics. "I'm thrilled he's getting the credit," Morkel said. "He plays for the badge, and that sort of commitment drives the rest of the team forward." Join our WhatsApp Channel
