Despite a solid 69-run partnership between Shubman Gill and KL Rahul for the second wicket, India’s top and middle order struggled against the Australian bowlers with the pink ball.
Mitchell Starc’s second and third spells proved too challenging for the visitors, as he claimed a five-wicket haul with India’s eighth wicket down midway through the second session.
However, undeterred by the hosts’ relentless bowling, Nitish Kumar Reddy took charge, counterattacking both Starc and Scott Boland.
In the 41st over, Starc steamed in from around the wicket and delivered a good-length ball outside the off-stump. Reddy, with quick feet, lunged forward and elegantly lofted the pink ball over deep extra cover for a stunning six.
Just seven balls later, Reddy pulled off a reverse scoop against Boland, surprising everyone. As Boland released the ball, Reddy opened up, timing the shot perfectly to send the ball swirling over third man for another six.
Now THIS is entertaining stuff from Nitish Kumar Reddy!#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/JgsupvPUkN
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 6, 2024
With India struggling to score, Reddy’s explosive hitting left both Jasprit Bumrah and the Twitterverse in awe.