Chapter 72: Test Day 4 III

As Nitish strode onto the field, he couldn't help but feel a surge of determination coursing through his veins. He knew that this over before the lunch break was his chance to prove himself and deliver on his promise to Virat, the captain of the Indian cricket team. Confidence radiated from Nitish as he approached Virat, urging him to give him the ball for this crucial over.

Virat, intrigued by Nitish's unwavering confidence, decided to test his mettle and handed him the ball. As Nitish took his position at the top of his mark, the crowd held their breath, eager to witness what he had in store. However, the first three balls he bowled were ruthlessly dispatched to the boundary by Steve Smith, who was in impeccable form. The Australian batsman capitalized on Nitish's lack of pace and took advantage of the flat pitch.

Undeterred by the initial setback, Nitish's mind raced with thoughts of how to regain control and turn the situation around. Remembering the "weakness identifier" skill he had acquired, he activated it to gain insights into Steve Smith's vulnerabilities. The analysis revealed that Smith struggled against well-directed short balls. Nitish saw this as an opportunity to stage a comeback.

Summoning all his determination, Nitish decided to utilize the "pace machine" skill. He altered his bowling approach, generating extra pace, and began running in to deliver a blistering short ball at 140 km/h, significantly higher than his usual average speed of 120 km/h. The sudden increase in pace caught Steve Smith off guard, and he attempted to defend the ball, only to edge it straight into the waiting hands of the slips. The crowd erupted in joyous celebration as Nitish had successfully dismissed one of Australia's most formidable batsmen.

His teammates rushed towards Nitish, embracing him in jubilation. Even Steve Smith, acknowledging Nitish's skillful execution, approached him and expressed his surprise at the unexpected delivery. Nitish's confidence and perseverance had turned the tide in India's favor, providing the much-needed breakthrough.

As Michael Clarke, another renowned Australian batsman, walked to the crease, Nitish knew he had to maintain the element of surprise. Drawing from his experience and utilizing the "pace machine" skill once again, Nitish unleashed a lightning-fast toe-crushing yorker. Clarke, prepared for the bouncer after witnessing Nitish's sudden increase in speed, chose to leave the ball, believing it to be another short-pitched delivery. However, to his astonishment, the ball zipped past him, crashing into the stumps with a resounding impact. Nitish had struck again, delivering a double breakthrough after initially conceding three boundaries in the over.

The stadium erupted with applause and admiration for Nitish's incredible display of skill and mental fortitude. Commentators hailed his ability to adapt and use his acquired skills effectively, turning the tables on the opposition. Nitish's performance was being hailed as a remarkable redemption story, silencing the critics who had doubted his capabilities.

As Nitish rejoined his teammates, a sense of pride and accomplishment washed over him. He had overcome adversity and made a significant contribution to his team's success. This incredible display of skill and resilience had not only earned him respect from his opponents but also etched his name in cricketing history as a remarkable talent.