Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar rated Nitish Kumar Reddy as India’s best seam bowler on the opening of the Lord’s Test against England. Reddy was introduced in the 14th over by Indian skipper Shubman Gill after Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep failed to strike with the new ball.

The all-rounder was able to strike twice in his first over to leave England in shock. England opener Ben Duckett was dismissed on an innocuous delivery down the leg side, whereas Zak Crawley received a jaffa from Reddy.

Reddy could have had another wicket in his first over if Shubman Gill had taken a tough chance at gully while diving to his right. Later in the day, Reddy had an LBW shout turned down by the on-field umpire but after taking the DRS, it was umpire’s call.

“He was lucky with Ben Duckett, but just those two wickets is not an indication of how Nitish Kumar Reddy bowled right through the day. He almost looked like India’s best seam bowler, and that’s saying something when you have Siraj, Akash Deep, and Bumrah,” Manjrekar said on ESPN Cricinfo.

On the other hand, Reddy was dismissed after scoring one run each in the two innings of the second Test at Edgbaston. Manjrekar is hopeful that a spirited bowling performance can help Reddy in his batting.

“I’m hoping that it (double strike) instills some confidence in his batting, because I think there is something there in his batting. Twin failures in the last Test never helps somebody who is looking for self-confidence as a batter. What he did was quite simple, he bowled within his limitations, and it’s not like he has got a huge range. So, he just stuck to what he does best,” Manjrekar added.

Meanwhile, England ended the day’s play at 251-4 with Joe Root unbeaten on 99.