Morne Morkel Praises Nitish Reddy’s ‘Magical Ball’ Ahead of England Test Series
In a refreshing revelation from the Indian cricket camp, bowling coach Morne Morkel has spotlighted young all-rounder Nitish Reddy as a potential game-changer for the upcoming five-Test series against England. Morkel, a former South African pace legend, praised Reddy’s ability to deliver what he calls a ‘magical ball‘, while challenging him to shoulder a greater bowling workload to maximize his impact.
Reddy, who made headlines with a stunning Test century during the ‘Boxing Day Test‘ against Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in 2023, is vying for the seam-bowling all-rounder spot alongside seasoned campaigner Shardul Thakur. With just 26.5 overs under his belt in two practice matches against England Lions, Morkel sees enormous potential in Reddy but emphasized the need for consistency. ‘He is incredibly skilful. He’s a guy who can bowl that magical ball. For him, it’s about creating consistency, and that’s what we’re working on,’ Morkel told PTI during a training session in Leeds.
The coach didn’t shy away from setting high expectations, revealing he has had direct conversations with Reddy to encourage more bowling. ‘I’ve challenged him to bowl a bit more. We all know what he can do with the bat, but if we can have those bowling options, especially in English conditions, he’ll be a real asset,’ Morkel added. With England’s often overcast skies and seaming pitches, a multi-dimensional player like Reddy could provide India with the much-needed balance, complementing their star-studded pace attack led by Jasprit Bumrah.
When pressed on the selection dilemma between Reddy and Thakur for the first Test at Headingley, Morkel played his cards close to his chest. ‘In terms of balance, we’re very happy with our options. But as a bowling unit, finding that Test match gear is crucial,’ he remarked. The focus, according to Morkel, is on ensuring the squad regains match fitness after a prolonged break from red-ball cricket. ‘We haven’t played Test matches for a while. The conditions in England can suit us if it’s overcast, but the surfaces will still test us,’ he noted, referencing the challenges of adapting to the demanding 90-over days and unpredictable English weather.
Morkel also expressed optimism about the team’s preparation for the tour, particularly highlighting the upcoming four-day warm-up match against India A as a key opportunity to assess players. ‘I’ve been impressed with the ownership and responsibility the guys have shown in training. They’ve stepped up, realizing this will be a tough tour,’ he said. The demanding English outfields and variable conditions, he added, require swift adaptation, and the coaching staff is thrilled with the squad’s initiative in practice sessions.
On the topic of India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, Morkel dismissed any concerns over limited match practice. ‘He knows how to get himself ready. I was blown away by the energy in his bowling over the past three days. It’s exciting to see a happy ‘Boom‘,’ Morkel quipped, using Bumrah’s popular nickname. ‘His body is in great shape, and we’ll manage him smartly because he’s key for us,’ he assured fans, underlining Bumrah’s importance as India aim to conquer England on their home turf.
As India gear up for what promises to be a grueling series, Morkel’s faith in Reddy’s potential and the team’s overall readiness paints an optimistic picture. With a blend of youth and experience, and under the watchful eyes of their astute coaching staff, the Men in Blue are poised to tackle the English challenge head-on. Can Nitish Reddy emerge as the X-factor with both bat and ball? Only time—and those magical deliveries—will tell.