Melbourne: A day after capturing the nation's admiration, Nitish Reddy demonstrated his determination to establish himself in the cricketing arena.

His innings concluded at 114 runs from 189 balls on the morning of Day 4, as he was caught at long-on by Mitch Starc off Nathan Lyon, marking his dismissal as the final wicket. Upon attending the press conference, his elation was evident, yet what stood out more was his commitment to enhancing his all-round capabilities.

Despite showcasing his prowess as a batsman throughout the series (with a total of 293 runs at an average of 58.60), Reddy acknowledges that his seam bowling has yet to reach the standards required for Test cricket. However, he is resolute in his intention to improve.

“At the beginning of the tour, my goal was to be a complete all-rounder, and I recognize that I still need to refine my bowling skills. I am not satisfied with my current performance in that area, and I aim to return stronger in my bowling. I aspire to secure that all-rounder position in the near future,” stated the 21-year-old following Sunday’s match.

Simultaneously, he emphasized that his recent performances are not mere coincidences but rather the culmination of diligent effort over the past few years.

“I can reflect on the last three years, particularly the past two, and see the dedication I have invested in both my batting and bowling. Fitness is crucial for me as an all-rounder, and I have consistently challenged myself,” Reddy remarked. “After my inaugural IPL season in 2023, I recognized the areas in my batting that required improvement. During my downtime, I focused extensively on my batting, which is now yielding results. This progress is not the result of just a month or two; it is the outcome of hard work over the last two to three years.”

His ability to persistently strive for improvement distinguishes him from many of his peers. While all international cricketers are dedicated, Reddy's rapid advancements reflect his keen understanding of the game's demands. At just 21, he remains in a phase of development, yet he has dismissed the scepticism directed towards him.

“I am aware that some individuals have questioned my capabilities,” Reddy acknowledged. “As a young player who participated in the IPL and subsequently arrived here, I…”

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