On December 28, Nitish Kumar Reddy marked an incredible achievement by scoring his first Test century against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The nail-biting journey from 97 to 103 runs was filled with thrill and emotion, captivating fans and family members alike. Reddy’s father, sitting in the stands, was swept up in a mix of emotions as he watched his son near this milestone.
The tension escalated dramatically when Washington Sundar was out on the last ball of Nathan Lyon’s over. Reddy faced a complete over from Scott Boland, skillfully reaching 99 after a perfectly timed two runs. The Indian innings hung in the balance as it brought in new batter Jasprit Bumrah to tackle the Australian bowlers.
Captain Pat Cummins quickly re-entered the bowling attack, intent on taking advantage of the situation. His plan paid off as he sent Bumrah back to the pavilion on the third ball of his over. This put pressure on Mohammed Siraj, India’s No. 11, who had to hold his ground for three deliveries to aid Reddy in his pursuit of the coveted century.
DSP saab diligently doing his duty pic.twitter.com/Nwm5MRQwgb
— Saahil Sharma (@faahil) December 28, 2024
With 85,000 spectators anxiously watching, every dot ball felt like a mini celebration. Siraj managed to defend the last delivery of Cummins’ over, igniting cheers and applause from the crowd. This bond between the teammates was crucial, allowing Reddy to concentrate on what lay ahead.
Reddy finally clinched his century with a brilliant lofted shot over mid-on, striking a pose reminiscent of a scene from the popular movie Bahubali. The emotional image of his father cheering from the front row, paired with the crowd’s roaring approval, made this a moment to remember. Although India still trailed by 116 runs, Reddy’s accomplishment, along with Sundar’s solid performance, highlighted the team’s unwavering spirit.
