England’s talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes delivered when his captain needed him the most, dismissing India’s promising youngster Nitish Reddy with a perfectly executed short ball that ended a determined innings on Day 3 of the ongoing Test series. The dismissal highlighted Stokes’ cricketing nous and Nitish Reddy’s brave attempt to stabilise the innings under pressure.
Nitish Reddy’s Gritty Innings
Nitish Reddy, who made his Test debut in the ongoing India vs England series, displayed admirable resilience and technique during his 30-run knock. Facing the new ball under overcast conditions, the rookie batter held his own against England’s pace battery comprising James Anderson, Chris Woakes, and Ben Stokes.
The 21-year-old from Andhra Pradesh walked in when India was reeling after quick wickets, and his priority was clear: to spend time at the crease and rebuild. For nearly 85 deliveries, he resisted England’s probing lines, leaving balls outside off, defending confidently, and playing with soft hands to avoid carrying edges to the slips.
The Short Ball Trap
Ben Stokes, known for his sharp cricketing brain, set up Nitish Reddy cleverly. Bowling from around the wicket, he first attacked the off-stump channel, forcing the youngster to play deliveries coming into him. Then, he banged one short with extra bounce targeted at Reddy’s right shoulder.
The rookie attempted a hurried pull shot but could not control it, and the ball lobbed towards Jonny Bairstow at square leg who took a comfortable catch. Stokes roared in celebration as England broke the crucial partnership.
Speaking at the end of the session, Stokes said:
“He was looking solid, but on this pitch you need to try different things. The short ball is always a good plan against youngsters testing their backfoot play.”
Why Nitish Reddy’s Innings Was Important?
- Stabilised India’s innings:
Walking in after top-order failures, Reddy soaked up deliveries and did not succumb to pressure instantly. His knock allowed the dressing room to breathe and forced England to work hard. - Showcased temperament:
For a debutant, playing with calmness under such conditions is a significant positive. His ability to judge length and leave balls judiciously will benefit India in upcoming Tests. - Provided a glimpse of India’s bench strength:
With stars like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli carrying the batting load, a rookie like Reddy stepping up signals depth in India’s red-ball setup.
Ben Stokes – The Gamechanger Yet Again
Ben Stokes’ impact goes beyond batting heroics. As a bowler, his ability to produce breakthroughs in crucial phases makes him invaluable.
Stokes’ Bowling Spell Analysis (So far in this Test)
| Spell | Overs | Runs Conceded | Wickets Taken | Key Deliveries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Spell | 5 | 18 | 0 | Focused on outside-off channel |
| Second Spell | 4.2 | 12 | 1 | Dismissed Nitish Reddy with a short ball trap |
His tactical approach against Reddy involved subtle field placements, with a short leg, square leg, and fine leg all ready for miscued pull or hook shots.
Social Media Reactions
The dismissal quickly went viral on social platforms:
- Twitter Trends:
Fans hailed Nitish Reddy’s fighting knock while praising Stokes’ short ball strategy.
“Nitish Reddy – remember the name. Great learning experience vs top attack.”
“Ben Stokes – what a cricketer! Changes the game with bat, ball, or fielding.” - Instagram Stories:
Cricket pages posted clips of Reddy’s gritty drives and Stokes’ dismissal ball, captioning it as ‘England’s lion roars at Lord’s again’.
What Next For Nitish Reddy?
While his innings ended at 30, Reddy will take several positives:
- Confidence booster: Playing 85 deliveries against a world-class attack in testing conditions is commendable.
- Areas to improve: His pull shot execution against quick short balls can be fine-tuned to avoid such dismissals in future.
- Selection backing: With selectors focusing on building the next generation post-Pujara and Rahane’s exits, Reddy is likely to get a longer run if he maintains composure and technique.
Ben Stokes’ Growing Legacy
For England, Ben Stokes’ performance further solidifies his status as a generational all-rounder. Not only does he deliver with bat and ball, but his leadership instincts make him an indispensable figure in the setup. His reading of opposition batters’ weaknesses continues to produce game-changing moments, and this dismissal was no different.
India’s Position In The Match
At the end of Reddy’s dismissal, India’s scoreboard read:
| Batter | Runs | Balls Faced | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitish Reddy | 30 | 85 | c Bairstow b Stokes |
With Reddy gone, India’s lower order was left exposed against England’s experienced pace attack. Whether the team can recover from this blow will decide the Test’s trajectory.
Final Thoughts
Ben Stokes’ short ball tactic against Nitish Reddy is a masterclass in strategic bowling, while Reddy’s innings stands as a testament to India’s promising future. Cricket fans will keenly watch how the youngster responds in upcoming innings after gaining this vital experience.
Disclaimer: This article is based on public match coverage and team statements. It is intended for informational and editorial purposes only. The piece does not aim to promote any player above another and acknowledges all official team and ICC rights.
