Nitish Reddy’s Maiden Century Takes India to 358/9 against Australia

Nitish Reddy’s Maiden Century: A spectacular maiden international century by 21-year-old Nitish Reddy guided India to a respectable 358/9 at stumps on the third day of the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Saturday.

Reddy’s gritty 105* off 176 balls, coming at a crucial juncture with India struggling at 191/6, was instrumental in keeping the visitors alive in the contest. His knock coupled with a resilient 50 from Washington Sundar helped India inch closer to Australia’s imposing first-innings total of 474.

India started the day at 164/5, still behind Australia by a massive 310 runs. Early jitters saw Rishabh Pant get out for a throw of wicket at 28 and Ravindra Jadeja trapped lbw at 17. The Indians were now on the brink with their top six back in the pavilion.

Enter Nitish Reddy, who walked in at No. 8 and turned the game on its head. His composed batting steadied India’s innings, as he stitched together a record-breaking 127-run partnership with Sundar for the eighth wicket. Sundar’s patient 50 off 162 deliveries was the perfect foil to Reddy’s composed aggression.

Reddy’s Special Moment

Reddy hit his maiden ton in style, lofting Scott Boland over mid-on for a boundary. The presence of his father in the stands made the moment all the more emotional for the youngster. His innings was a lesson in grit and determination, showing the way for India’s established batters who were under tremendous pressure from Australia’s disciplined bowling attack.

Australia’s Bowling Attack

Scott Boland and Pat Cummins were the best of the Australian bowlers, picking three wickets each. But still, they could not end that partnership which swung the match in favor of India.

At stumps, India were still 116 runs behind Australia on one wicket and the match, abandoned early due to bad light, stands perfectly poised. Reddy’s heroics have ensured India avoid the follow-on and remain in contention as they prepare for an important fourth day.

Brief Scores:
Australia 1st innings: 474
India 1st innings: 358/9 in 116 overs (Nitish Reddy 105*, Yashasvi Jaiswal 82, Washington Sundar 50; Scott Boland 3/57, Pat Cummins 3/86)

India will try to bridge the gap further with Reddy on the ascendancy on Day 4.