India vs England: Nitish Kumar Reddy Shines with Historic Bowling Feat

Thrilling Test Match at Lord's

The third Test match between India and England is currently underway at Lord's. By lunch on the first day, the home team had lost two wickets. England's captain, Ben Stokes, opted to bat first after winning the toss. Openers Jack Crawley and Ben Duckett provided a solid start for England, but just when it seemed they were settling in, Nitish Kumar Reddy struck, dismissing both openers in a single over, granting India a significant breakthrough.

With this achievement, Nitish Kumar Reddy has become the second Indian fast bowler since 2002 to take two wickets in his first over of a Test innings. Only two Indian fast bowlers have accomplished this feat in men's Test matches since 2002. Irfan Pathan had previously achieved a hat-trick against Pakistan in Karachi in 2006, and now Reddy joins him as the second fast bowler to do so.

After winning the toss, England decided to bat first. The opening pair of Jack Crawley and Ben Duckett managed to score 43 runs for the first wicket. Reddy broke this partnership by dismissing Ben Duckett in his very first over. He then showcased his exceptional bowling skills by getting Jack Crawley out on the last ball of the same over, providing India with a double success.

It is noteworthy that Ben Stokes, under the guidance of coach Brendon McCullum, has chosen to bat first in a domestic match for only the second time. The opening duo of Ben Duckett and Jack Crawley gave England a cautious start, scoring 39 runs without loss in the first hour across 13 overs. The sloping nature of the pitch caused some delay for Indian bowlers in getting accustomed to the conditions.