Debutant Reddy told to 'take bullet' for India

Nitish Kumar Reddy was told to "take a bullet for your country" before top scoring for India on Test debut. The allrounder - who has received high praise from Australian captain Pat Cummins - who plays with him in the Indian Premier League - impressed in hostile conditions in Perth on day one of the first Test on Friday. Coming to the crease at 6-73, Reddy used inventive shots in belting 41 to halt Australia's momentum in partnership with Rishabh Pant. After gaining the call-up to the Test XI, the 21-year-old was given some pertinent advice from India coach Gautam Gambhir. "I still remember last practice ... after the practice, I had a chat with Gautam, so he was mentioning, when you get any bouncers ... sharp spells, just take onto your shoulders," Reddy said. "Just feel like you are taking a bullet for your country. "So that really helped me a lot. Like, that just boosted me up. "Everyone was talking like there is a good bounce in this wicket. "He said that thing, and I felt like you need to take bullets for your country. "That's the best thing I have heard from Gautam." Reddy's revelation is a boost for Gambhir, who faced fierce criticism after India's historic 3-0 home whitewash defeat to New Zealand. Before flying out from India to prepare for the Border-Gavaskar battle, Gambhir hit back at Ricky Ponting after the Australia legend criticised the form of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. India appeared to be a team in disarray before playing Australia, but they finished day one of the first Test completely on top. The tourists have held the Border-Gavaskar trophy since 2017, with Australia's last Test series win against India coming in 2014-15.