Stats preview of Lord’s Test: Why India should play Arshdeep Singh instead of Nitish Kumar Reddy

By | July 10, 2025
Arshdeep vs Reddy Test selection swing bowler

India’s second Test against England at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground brings both opportunity and urgency. After a challenging outing in the first Test, the visitors must rethink their bowling combination—especially with English conditions favoring seam and swing. The big selection dilemma revolves around who should take the fourth bowling spot: promising all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy or left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh?

Based on pitch conditions, recent performances, and tactical needs, the answer points clearly to Arshdeep Singh. Here’s a deep dive into why India must go with the swing specialist at Lord’s.

Lord’s: The Home of Swing and Seam

Lord’s is revered not just for its history, but also for its conditions that often favor the bowlers—especially in the first two days of a Test match. The pitch offers subtle movement off the seam, while the overhead conditions frequently assist swing. Statistics from the last five Tests at Lord’s tell a compelling story:

  • Fast bowlers have taken nearly 75% of the wickets
  • Average first innings total is just above 300
  • Wickets tend to fall in clusters during the morning sessions

In such a scenario, teams that exploit the new ball and maintain relentless pressure usually come out on top. India, with a pace arsenal featuring Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, still need a third seamer who can bring variety and swing—and that’s where Arshdeep becomes vital.

Player Profile: Arshdeep Singh vs. Nitish Kumar Reddy

Let’s look at what each player brings to the table:

Arshdeep Singh:

  • Type: Left-arm medium-fast swing bowler
  • First-Class Bowling Average: 24.80
  • Wickets in FC: 54 in 15 matches
  • Strengths: New-ball swing, left-arm angle, control under cloudy conditions
  • County Experience: Impressive performances for Kent in 2024 using the Dukes ball

Nitish Kumar Reddy:

  • Type: Right-arm medium pacer, batting all-rounder
  • First-Class Bowling Average: 34.20
  • First-Class Batting Average: 34.50
  • Strengths: Lower-order batting, utility seam option
  • Weakness: Pace hovers around 130 km/h, lacks movement in helpful conditions

Reddy’s all-round promise is undeniable, but at Lord’s, India must prioritize wicket-taking ability and swing over batting depth at No. 8.

Arshdeep’s Left-Arm Angle: A Rare Asset

India has long searched for a consistent left-arm fast bowler who can provide variation to a right-arm dominated attack. Arshdeep Singh, with his ability to move the ball both ways, especially into the right-handers, adds an element that can disrupt England’s settled top order.

Left-arm swing has historically worked wonders in England. From Trent Boult to Shaheen Afridi, these bowlers have rattled the English top-order. Arshdeep can replicate similar impact, especially against openers like Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, who often struggle against inswingers.

Familiarity with English Conditions

Arshdeep’s stint with Kent County Cricket Club in 2024 turned out to be a blessing in disguise. He not only picked up wickets with the Dukes ball but also acclimatized to the rhythm and patience required in English Tests. His five-wicket haul at Canterbury and consistent economy underlined his suitability for long spells in English conditions.

This exposure could give Arshdeep a vital edge in adapting to conditions faster than others who haven’t bowled recently in England.

India’s Tactical Need: Control and Penetration

In the first Test, India lacked the cutting edge with the ball once the shine wore off. While Bumrah bowled with fire, the support cast struggled to create sustained pressure. Arshdeep’s ability to bowl long, tight spells without leaking runs makes him ideal for playing the holding role from one end, while still being a wicket-taking threat with the new ball.

Nitish, on the other hand, may offer occasional overs but isn’t penetrative enough to serve as a third or even fourth bowling option in English conditions. In a match that could see bowlers dominating, India cannot afford a part-time medium-pacer who neither keeps the runs down nor threatens consistently.

The Batting Depth Myth

One argument in favor of Reddy is his batting average of over 34 in First-Class cricket. However, with India already boasting depth till No. 7 (including keeper-batter and all-rounder), adding Reddy at No. 8 offers limited marginal gain with the bat.

On the flip side, choosing Reddy over Arshdeep could seriously compromise India’s ability to take 20 wickets—something that will almost certainly be required to win at Lord’s.

Conclusion: Time to Trust the Specialist

Crucial away Tests are won not just with gutsy batting, but with incisive bowling. India’s decision should be based on conditions, not sentiment or future planning. While Nitish Kumar Reddy remains a bright prospect for home Tests and flat pitches, Arshdeep Singh is the bowler India needs at Lord’s.

He brings:

  • The left-arm angle England rarely faces
  • Recent English experience
  • Proven control and swing
  • The ability to partner Bumrah and Siraj effectively

India doesn’t need more batting at Lord’s—they need more bite with the ball. And for that reason, Arshdeep Singh should walk into the playing XI ahead of Nitish Kumar Reddy.