On Day 3 of the third Test between India and England at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, Nitish Kumar Reddy’s determined innings came to an unfortunate end in the 94.3 over. Battling hard to keep India in the contest, Reddy had shown great resilience, but it was a moment of brilliance from England captain Ben Stokes that broke through his defense.
Stokes, operating with precision, delivered a good-length ball that behaved unexpectedly off the pitch. What initially seemed like a regulation delivery suddenly kicked up with extra bounce. Reddy, already committed to a forward defensive shot, had little time to adjust as the ball reared up sharply towards his gloves.
In a split second, the delivery struck his glove and ballooned towards the wicketkeeper. There was no chance of survival, and the keeper completed the catch with ease. The dismissal highlighted the challenging nature of the pitch at that point, with the ball not only rising awkwardly but also deviating off the seam.
It was a delivery that would trouble even the most seasoned of batters — one of those unplayable moments where skill meets unpredictability. Reddy, who had looked solid until then, could do little about the sudden movement and bounce. His dismissal marked a significant moment, giving England a much-needed breakthrough.
Ben Stokes gets the breakthrough! 💥
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 12, 2025
Nitish Kumar Reddy departs ➡️ pic.twitter.com/MK2r87W6RS
Though disappointed, Reddy walked off with his head held high, having shown great temperament during his time at the crease. The applause from the dressing room and spectators reflected the value of his contribution. It was an unfortunate end, but a gritty knock that once again underlined his growing stature in red-ball cricket.