Nitish Kumar Reddy Wicket in 2nd Test – India’s much-anticipated comeback in the second Test against England suffered a major blow when Nitish Kumar Reddy was clean bowled by Chris Woakes during the third session on Day 1.
It was a moment that shifted momentum and sparked roars from the Hollies Stand. This was not just another wicket—it exposed the vulnerability in India’s lower middle order and dampened the visitors’ hopes of putting up a big first-innings total.
Woakes’ Magic Delivery Silences India’s Dugout
England pacer Chris Woakes returned for his second spell just as India were looking to consolidate after a few quick wickets. From around the wicket, he delivered a length ball that seamed sharply back into Nitish Kumar Reddy, who decided to leave it. In hindsight, it was a fatal misjudgment. The ball rattled the off-stump, sending the bails flying and the crowd into a frenzy.
The Nitish Kumar Reddy Wicket in the 2nd Test was a turning point. Coming in for Shardul Thakur to bolster the batting depth, Nitish managed to score just 1 run before departing. It was only his sixth Test appearance, and while expectations were high, the youngster failed to capitalise.
“You can’t leave them!” tweeted England Cricket, summing up the mood of Edgbaston after Woakes’ delivery dismantled Nitish.
India’s Tumbling Top Order: What Went Wrong?
The day didn’t start well for the visitors. Asked to bat first by Ben Stokes, KL Rahul struggled immensely at the top, scoring only 2 off 26 balls before falling victim to Woakes’ earlier spell. The pitch at Edgbaston offered enough movement early on, and England’s bowlers made sure to exploit it.
Key Highlights from India’s First Innings So Far:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – Scored a fluent 87 off 107 balls (13 fours)
- Shubman Gill – Still batting at 114*, showing composure
- Rishabh Pant – Quickfire 25, dismissed trying to go big
- Karun Nair – Decent 31 before falling before lunch
- Nitish Kumar Reddy – Dismissed for 1 by Chris Woakes
What Nitish’s Dismissal Tells Us
The Nitish Kumar Reddy wicket in the 2nd Test wasn’t just about misjudging a ball. It reflects a wider concern—India’s fragile batting order post the top four. With Shardul Thakur dropped, Nitish was supposed to bring solidity. But the inexperience showed. This moment may define his position in the upcoming Tests.
Woakes, on the other hand, proved yet again why he’s England’s Edgbaston expert. His second wicket of the day had the energy of a veteran with home-ground advantage. It was his moment, and Nitish was the unfortunate recipient.
Watch the Dismissal That Stunned India
Chris Woakes cleans up Nitish Kumar Reddy. pic.twitter.com/z7TiYOQXkN
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 2, 2025
You can catch the video highlight of the Nitish Kumar Reddy wicket in the 2nd Test on the official England Cricket Twitter handle or visit ESPNcricinfo for the full match coverage and stats.
Score Summary at Stumps** – Day 1
| Team | Score | Overs | Top Scorers |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 310/5* | 76 Overs | Yashasvi (87), Gill (114*) |
What’s Ahead for Day 2?
With Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease, India aims to surpass a total of 350 runs to put pressure on England. However, losing early wickets could expose the lower order, and England’s bowling attack is ready to seize the opportunity. The early wicket of Nitish Kumar Reddy in the second Test has already given England the upper hand.
Trusted Sources & Further Reading
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity for Reddy, Advantage England
The Nitish Kumar Reddy wicket in the 2nd Test was a big moment on Day 1—not just for England, but for Reddy’s Test journey too. It summed up India’s struggles against moving deliveries and the pressure of playing away. While there’s still time to recover, India needs their middle and lower order to step up. Otherwise, England may run away with the series momentum.
What do you think?
Was dropping Shardul Thakur the right move? Will Gill and Jadeja steer India to a strong first-innings total? Let us know in the comments—and don’t forget to subscribe for more daily Test updates and player analysis!
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