Nitish Kumar Reddy presented as India's key pick for Border Gavaskar Trophy

As India prepares to kick off the Border Gavaskar Trophy with the Perth Test on November 22, all eyes will be on the team's pace line-up. In the absence of primary seamer Mohammed Shami, who is playing domestic matches following his return from an ankle injury, India has included young pace options in the squad for the Australia tour. The squad features Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy, both yet to debut for the national team. Additionally, Prasidh Krishna, who has played two Tests for India so far, has returned to the squad. As the Perth Test approaches, India's bowling coach, Morne Morkel, discussed the raw pace line-up.

Morne Morkel hypes up Nitish Kumar Reddy ahead of the Perth Test

In the absence of Rohit Sharma from the Perth Test, India's primary seamer, Jasprit Bumrah, will lead the team in the BGT opener. Captaining the side against the mighty Kangaroos will be a challenge, though perhaps not as daunting as managing young pacers on the lethal pitch. Reportedly, Harshit Rana is set to debut in the Perth Test, joining Bumrah and Mohammed Shami as part of the primary pace attack.

Moreover, Nitish Kumar Reddy, the only pace all-rounder named in the India squad for the BGT, is also close to earning his Test cap. With apprehension surrounding the inclusion of raw talents in this all-important series, India's bowling coach, Morne Morkel, urged the audience to keep an eye on Reddy during the BGT.

"[Reddy] is one of the young guys that we've mentioned, he's got that sort of batting, all-round ability. He'll be a guy that can sort of hold that one end up first. He hits the bat a little bit harder than you think. So on these sort of conditions where there might be a little bit of seam movement up front, especially the first couple of days. He'll be a very accurate wicket-to-wicket style of bowler. It's a lovely opportunity for him to hold that allrounder spot," Morkel noted. "He's a guy that is a player you can keep your eye on in this series," he added.

Over the past few days, Morkel has faced a tough challenge, guiding a group of bowlers with limited Test experience. While India's stand-in captain, Jasprit Bumrah, and his usual new-ball partner, Mohammed Siraj, enjoyed a solid session in the Optus Stadium nets, the real test lies ahead for their supporting cast. The uncapped duo of Reddy and Harshit Rana, along with the relatively inexperienced Prasidh Krishna, who has only played two Tests, now face the challenge of translating their strong performances at the domestic and India A levels into success in of the greates Test rivalries, the Border Gavaskar Trophy.