New Delhi: Nitish Kumar Reddy stands unbeaten at 105 runs from 176 balls at a strike rate of 59.66. He slammed 10 fours and 1 six during his time on the crease on Day Three of the Melbourne Test
Nitish Kumar Reddy, batting at No. 8, smashed his maiden international century when India needed it the most, providing the team with a fighting chance in the Boxing Day Test against Australia. He was well-supported by Washington Sundar at No. 9, who also contributed with a half-century. In the final session of the day, with Reddy on 99, he confidently drove the ball towards the mid-on fielder for a boundary, bringing up his maiden international century in style.
The atmosphere at the MCG became emotional as Nitish Kumar Reddy’s father was seen shedding tears of joy, folding his hands in gratitude towards the Almighty. As Nitish made his way back to the pavilion after his remarkable knock, he was greeted with appreciation from the Australian players and a standing ovation from the Indian team.
Nitish Kumar Reddy remains unbeaten at 105 runs from 176 balls, with a strike rate of 59.66, hitting 10 fours and 1 six on Day Three of the Melbourne Test. Washington Sundar contributed with a patient 50 off 162 balls. Notably, this marks the first time in 147 years of Test cricket history, as per official broadcasters, that both No. 8 and No. 9 batters have faced over 150 balls each in an innings.
With his maiden Test century, Nitish Kumar Reddy became the third youngest Indian batter to score a Test ton in Australia, following in the footsteps of Sachin Tendulkar and Rishabh Pant. Tendulkar achieved his first century at 18 years and 256 days in 1992, while Pant did so at 21 years and 92 days in 2019. Nitish reached this milestone at 21 years and 216 days.
India began the third and final session at 326/7, with Washington Sundar (40*) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (85*) unbeaten at the crease.
Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy delivered a remarkable and determined performance in the Melbourne Test, forging a 127-run partnership that rescued India from a precarious position.
Both lower-middle-order batters stood firm against the Australian bowlers, displaying grit and composure to add valuable runs. However, as the light faded and drizzle began, the umpires had no choice but to call early stumps on Day 3.
At stumps, India was 358/9, with Nitish (105*) and Mohammed Siraj (2*) unbeaten, still trailing Australia by 116 runs.
