77 Chapter 75

The sun blazed overhead as the second Test match between India and Australia commenced at a packed stadium. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation, as both teams aimed to establish their dominance in the highly anticipated encounter. Australia won the toss and elected to bat first, banking on their home advantage to put up a formidable total. India, led by the astute Virat Kohli, was determined to make early inroads and disrupt the Australian batting lineup.

The responsibility of spearheading India's bowling attack fell upon the shoulders of the experienced Ishanth Sharma and the young prodigy, Nitish. Ishanth, known for his ability to generate prodigious swing, made an impressive start. Ball after ball, he teased the edges of the Australian batsmen, testing their skills and patience. However, Nitish, in his second Test appearance, struggled to find his rhythm. The nerves of the big stage seemed to have gotten the better of him as he searched for his line and length.

Harsha Bhogle: "It's a crucial day of Test cricket here in Australia. The pitch looks pristine, offering assistance to the bowlers early on. Nitish, the young sensation, has a big task ahead of him to make an impact against the formidable Australian batting lineup."

Murali Karthik: "Absolutely, Harsha. Nitish is still finding his feet in international cricket, but his talent is undeniable. This is a great opportunity for him to showcase his skills and contribute to India's success."

On the other hand, the Australian openers, David Warner and Chris Rogers, oozed confidence. They showed exemplary footwork and impeccable shot selection, making batting look like a walk in the park. The Indian bowlers toiled hard but failed to make any breakthroughs. The partnership flourished, and Australia's score raced to a comfortable 70 without the loss of a single wicket. The home team seemed to have gained an upper hand, leaving the Indian contingent searching for answers.

Harsha Bhogle: "Warner and Rogers are putting on a masterclass here. They are in complete control of their innings, punishing any loose deliveries that come their way. India needs a breakthrough desperately to stem the flow of runs."

Murali Karthik: "That's right, Harsha. Nitish is yet to find his rhythm, but it's important for him to stay patient and keep searching for the right line and length. A breakthrough is just what India needs to change the momentum of the game."

In the midst of this onslaught, Nitish stood at his fielding position, observing the proceedings with utmost concentration. His eyes darted back and forth, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the Australian batsmen. Nitish knew that a breakthrough was crucial to turning the tide in India's favor. He was determined to contribute to the team's cause and prove his worth on the international stage.

Harsha Bhogle: "Nitish seems to be deep in thought, observing the batsmen closely. He knows the importance of making a breakthrough at this stage of the game. The young prodigy has a lot riding on his shoulders."

Murali Karthik: "Indeed, Harsha. Nitish possesses immense talent and potential. This is a golden opportunity for him to showcase his skills and leave an indelible mark in this match."

A thought crossed Nitish's mind as he glanced at his teammate, Varun Aaron, one of India's fastest bowlers. He realized that Varun possessed a unique weapon in his arsenal - sheer pace. Nitish approached Varun during the drinks break, sharing a piece of advice that would soon change the course of the game.

Harsha Bhogle: "It looks like Nitish has something on his mind. He's having a discussion with Varun Aaron, gesturing and pointing towards the pitch. Let's see what this is all about."

Murali Karthik: "It's intriguing, Harsha. Nitish seems to have some tactical input for Varun. This young prodigy is not only a skilled bowler but also a keen observer of the game."

With a calm and composed demeanor, Nitish outlined a specific bowling sequence to Varun. He suggested a combination of different deliveries - a good length ball, followed by a full toss, then another good length ball, another full toss, and finally a fast bouncer aimed at the batsman's cheek, culminating in a yorker delivered at blistering speed.

Harsha Bhogle: "Well, well, well. Nitish seems to have shared a plan with Varun Aaron. This could be interesting. Let's see how it unfolds."

Murali Karthik: "Absolutely, Harsha. Nitish's tactical input could bring a new dimension to India's bowling attack. Varun will have to execute this plan meticulously to trouble the Australian batsmen."

Varun, a seasoned cricketer, listened intently to Nitish's suggestions. He understood the merit behind the plan and the potential it held to unsettle the Australian batsmen. Putting his ego aside, Varun acknowledged the brilliance of Nitish's advice and vowed to execute it to perfection.

Harsha Bhogle: "Varun Aaron seems to have received some valuable advice from Nitish Sharma. He's nodding in agreement and seems eager to put it into practice. This could be a game-changer for India."

Murali Karthik: "Indeed, Harsha. Nitish has proven to be an astute observer of the game. If Varun can execute this plan effectively, we might witness a shift in momentum in India's favor."

As the game resumed, Varun took the ball, a sense of determination etched across his face. The spectators, unaware of the conversation that had transpired, watched with bated breath, eager to witness a change in fortune for the Indian team. Varun began the sequence as advised by Nitish, sending down a well-directed good length ball. David Warner, the Australian opener, left it confidently, untroubled by the delivery.

Murali Karthik: "That's a good start from Varun. He needs to build pressure and create opportunities for a breakthrough."

With the next delivery, Varun surprised Warner with a full toss. The Australian batsman, seizing the opportunity, dispatched the ball to the boundary with precision and power. The crowd murmured in surprise, questioning the wisdom behind Varun's approach. However, Varun kept his faith in Nitish's advice and continued to follow the sequence.

Harsha Bhogle: "A full toss from Varun Aaron, and Warner has pounced on it. He has punished that delivery for a boundary. Varun will have to be careful with his execution."

Murali Karthik: "That's a rare loose delivery from Varun. He needs to stick to the plan and maintain discipline."

The following delivery, a good length ball, was calmly defended by Warner. Then, another full toss came hurtling towards him. This time, Warner capitalized on the loose delivery, hammering it over the ropes for a maximum. The stadium erupted with applause, acknowledging Warner's shot-making skills.

Harsha Bhogle: "Another full toss from Varun, and Warner has made no mistake. That ball has disappearedinto the stands for a six. Varun needs to regain his control and find his rhythm."

Murali Karthik: "Indeed, Harsha. Varun needs to stay focused and not let the previous deliveries affect his mindset. It's important for him to stick to the plan."

As Varun looked towards Nitish, he found the young prodigy smiling and nodding in response. Nitish's plan was slowly coming to fruition. Encouraged by his teammate's support, Varun launched a searing bouncer at a staggering speed of 152 kmph. The ball rose sharply towards Warner's face, catching him off guard. Warner attempted to evade the menacing delivery, but it caught the edge of his bat, resulting in a simple catch for Virat Kohli at slip.

Harsha Bhogle: "What a delivery from Varun Aaron! The bouncer came like a bullet, and Warner had no answer to it. A simple catch for Kohli, and India has their breakthrough."

Murali Karthik: "Varun executed the plan perfectly. The change of pace and the surprise bouncer did the trick. This is the breakthrough India needed."

The stadium erupted in jubilation as the breakthrough finally came. The Indian players rushed towards Varun, congratulating him for his remarkable execution. Varun's face lit up with a mixture of joy and gratitude, his eyes seeking out Nitish in the crowd. Nitish reciprocated the gesture, acknowledging the success of their collective endeavor.

Harsha Bhogle: "Varun Aaron has delivered what Nitish Sharma advised him to do, and it has paid off handsomely."

The game-changing impact of Nitish's ingenious advice did not end there. Steven Smith, Australia's young batting sensation, was promoted up the order to stabilize the innings. Unfazed by the dismissal of Warner, Varun continued to execute the sequence with unwavering precision. He delivered an unplayable yorker at a mind-boggling speed of 153 kmph. Smith, caught off guard by the sheer pace and accuracy, was unable to defend, and the ball crashed into his pads, shattering his defenses.

Harsha Bhogle: "Oh, what a delivery! Varun Aaron has unleashed an absolute gem of a yorker. It was too good for Smith, and he had no answer to it. The ball crashes into his pads, and the umpire raises his finger. Varun is on fire!"

Murali Karthik: "Varun is in a different league today. That yorker was lightning fast and unplayable. He has dismantled Smith's defense with sheer pace and accuracy."

The umpire raised his finger without hesitation, and the crowd erupted once again. It was two wickets in two deliveries for Varun Aaron. The Indian players, sensing the significance of the moment, converged upon Varun, lifting him in the air and embracing him with overwhelming joy. Kohli, the captain, joined the celebration, hugging Nitish for his ingenious suggestion that had turned the tide in India's favor.

Harsha Bhogle: "What a spell this has been from Varun Aaron! Two wickets in two balls, and the Indian team is ecstatic."

Murali Karthik: "This is a dream spell for Varun Aaron."