New Delhi: Nitish Kumar Reddy experienced a dream moment when he achieved his first-ever Test century at the historic MCG on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test. He became the third youngest Indian to score a Test hundred in Australia, following in the footsteps of Sachin Tendulkar, and the first Indian No. 8 batsman to reach this feat on Australian soil. His brilliant innings ensured that Australia would face a tough challenge and couldn’t easily dominate India.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s special post for Mohammed Siraj:
Nitish Reddy grabbed the spotlight with his remarkable innings. However, there was a tense moment when the entire crowd, both at the ground and watching at home, stood in anticipation as India lost the wickets of Washington Sundar and Jasprit Bumrah in quick succession. Reddy was on 97 when Sundar was dismissed, and when Cummins sent Bumrah back to the pavilion, Reddy was just one run away from his century, sitting on 99.
Reddy was just one run away from his century, but Mohammed Siraj was on strike and had to face three deliveries from Pat Cummins. Had Cummins managed to dismiss Siraj during those three balls, Reddy would have missed the opportunity to reach his milestone.
Cummins beat Siraj with the first delivery, followed by a bouncer which the Indian pacer skillfully evaded by ducking. Siraj then defended the final ball, and the entire stadium cheered as he survived the three deliveries. From the non-striker’s end, Reddy was seen applauding Siraj after each ball. Reddy then brought up his century in the following over, making history.
After the match, Nitish Reddy posted a special story to thank Siraj. He posted his picture of hugging the pacer and captioned it by writing ‘I also believe in Siraj Bhai’. This was in reference to Mohammed Siraj’s famous dialogue ‘I only believe in Jassi Bhai’ from the T20 World Cup 2024 triumph which went extremely viral on the internet.
INSTAGRAM STORY OF NITISH KUMAR REDDY:
– “I also believe in Siraj bhai” pic.twitter.com/itbUVfBPx3
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 28, 2024
Day 3 was halted prematurely due to rain and poor light. However, India finished the day at 358/9, still trailing by 116 runs, with Nitish Reddy and Mohammed Siraj at the crease.
