Day 3 of the 4th Test in between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground saw a brave fight from India, led by Nitish Kumar Reddy's brilliant unbeaten maiden Test century. After trailing Australia by a boundary, India showed courage against Australia's relentless attack. At stumps, India had reached 358/9, still trailing by 116 runs but their hopes are alive, thanks to Reddy's performance.
Bad start for India: The fall of Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant
Resuming Day 3 at a formidable 164/5, India faced a tough task against a successful Australian bowling line-up. I am Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease, expectations were pinned on the pair to form a strong partnership. However, Australia's persistence paid off early, and Nathan Lyon Blocking Jadeja in front for 17. Pant, despite showing some bravado, fell soon after for 28, caught at square leg off. Scott Boland. At 191/7, India look set to collapse quickly, struggling to deal with the burst and pace on offer.
Nitish Kumar Reddy's grit and determination: Maiden a test hundred
Amid the chaos, Nitish Reddy, playing in his second Test, showed great composure under pressure. The 20-year-old batsman, combining sound skill with calculated aggression, dominated India's innings. He found a capable partner Washington Sundarand together they stitched a vital stand of 127 runs for the eighth wicket. Sundar played brilliantly, absorbing the pressure and dropping the defensive bowlers, scoring a patient 50 in 162 overs.
Reddy's knock was the best in cricket. His performances against the spinners, especially Lyon, were exemplary, as he used his feet to reduce the spin. Against the runners, he was equally assured, driving with confidence and working on short cuts with composure. His score of 105* off 176 balls, laced with sixteen boundaries, brought India back into the contest and frustrated the Australians, who were expecting a quick end to the innings.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Fans go wild as Nitish Reddy hits century on Day 3 of Boxing Day Test at MCG
A late game as Australia take control of the MCG Test
The partnership was broken when Sundar fell at Lyon, caught by Steve Smith, leaving India on 348/8. Jasprit Bumrah he soon followed, unable to protest much. Reddy, however, remained unbeaten, tailing impressively and ensuring that India added the much-needed runs. After playing, Mohammed Siraj he survived seven rounds, helping Reddy advance the fight to Day 4.
Australian bowlers, led by Scott Boland and Pat Cumminshe was tireless all day. Boland's true line and length gave him figures of 3/57, while Cummins' pace produced three wickets. Lyon helped break the tie, finishing with 2/88. However, the hosts would have been disappointed by the late rejection, which would prove crucial in this hotly contested test.
Here's how Twitter did it:
I was very happy to sing when Nitish reached his peak and shared his feelings. It was beautiful. Something you expect as a broadcaster.
– Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 28, 2024
What an innings, dear Nitish. To be the third Indian to score a Test hundred in Aus what a feat for a team in dire straits. I believe this will be the first of many. Enjoy your positivity and fearless stroke play. Continue. God bless you always 🌸 pic.twitter.com/tSWuL4kKYF
– VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 28, 2024
Eight years ago, Mutyala Reddy, an employee of Hindustan Zinc, quit his job when he was transferred and wanted to focus on his son's cricket.
Today saw him take his first century in front of 80,000 spectators at the MCG
It's his dream come true like Nitish's! pic.twitter.com/vaifQtlzGU– Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) December 28, 2024
Nitish had already arrived. No doubt about his stroke production and beautiful swing of the bat. But today, the brother has shown his mental strength. The cricket gods are shedding tears. The love of my life is shedding tears. The wolf is paying tribute. Beautiful.
– Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) December 28, 2024
Imagine scoring an overseas Test hundred batting at No.8. Bloody hell, NITISH KUMAR REDDY.
– arfan (@Im__Arfan) December 28, 2024
Thanks to Nitish kumar reddy for writing his first century. This great success shows hard work and dedication. We look forward to witnessing the best of your work. Keep inspiring us all. pic.twitter.com/fjhe7iN8T9
– @MdShami11 December 28, 2024
How proud I am 🥹👏 #NitishKumarReddy #AUSWIN pic.twitter.com/PEJOlQ3mdx
– S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) December 28, 2024
Proud father 🥹❤️
Great view at the MCG 🫶🏻 #AUSWIN #PlayWithFire pic.twitter.com/efU62qRSDo
– SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) December 28, 2024
NKR is not a name, it's 𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗗!#AUSWIN #MumbaiMeriJaan #MumbaiIndia pic.twitter.com/UMApsy66KT
– Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) December 28, 2024
This young man continues to impress. His integrated approach, passionate attitude and most importantly the way he puts value on his wicket are all impressive features of a good test batsman in the making. You played very well 👏🏻👏🏻 #AUSWIN #nitishkumarreddy pic.twitter.com/vIZyVyM2UJ
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 28, 2024
What a moment for Nitish Kumar Reddy's father 🤩#Cricket #AUSWIN #NitishKumarReddy #nitishkumarreddy pic.twitter.com/aqAxYV3Be3
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 28, 2024
Rap, rap, rap! 🔥💯#AavaDe | | #AUSWIN | | #Pushpa2TheRule | | [📸: ESPNCricinfo] pic.twitter.com/SGYfNY4kdZ
– Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) December 28, 2024