‘He is good enough’ - Former Australian captain wants Nitish Reddy to bat higher during SCG Test

Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke has praised the latest Indian cricket sensation, Nitish Kumar Reddy. The 21-year-old scored a century during the first innings of the MCG Test to become the first Indian batter to get to triple figures while batting at number 8. It was a huge feat that saw even the fans in Australia rise to their feet and give the batter a standing applause. 

During his chat with Beyond 23 cricket podcast, Michael Clarke said “Reddy, this young kid batting at number eight, is a genius. I think he has definitely got to bat seven if not six. He has been India's leading run-scorer, 21 years of age, unbelievable. He has been underrated in the entire series. I think he is good enough to bat at number six. So what a great option for India going into the last Test match.”

So far Nitish Reddy has played 4 Test matches for and scored 294 runs with an average of 49. The youngster has also got 3 wickets in the series with a best of 1/21 to see his stocks rise in international cricket. Indian cricket fans in particular are finally viewing the youngster as the able all-round talent the team has been looking for. 

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Michael Clarke praises Nitish Reddy after his amazing knock 

Former Australian skipper was one of the voices who has been in huge praise of Nitish Reddy after his heroics in Melbourne. The youngster has already received huge praise from former batting legend Sunil Gavaskar. 

Clarke during his chat with the Beyond 23 cricket podcast said that Nitish Reddy can bat at number 6. Clarke said “He has impressed everyone. He has not feared any Australian bowler. He has been patient when he has needed to be patient. He has batted with the tail extremely well. He has shown his intent. He bats, bowls, and fields.”

Michael Clarke also said “I feel that the way he's batted, this is the last time he will bat at 7. To get the balance of the side, you need him to go higher up the order, either 5 or 6 and then you have the opportunity of playing 5 bowlers to take the 20 wickets, and he's given that kind of confidence to the selectors and the team management and the captain.”

“Reddy is fully capable of batting in the top 6. Then it changes the whole balance of the game. You go to Sydney with him batting in the top 6, and you're playing five bowlers,” Clarke ended by saying while praising the young Indian star.