MELBOURNE, Australia — A new star has emerged in Indian cricket as 21-year-old Nitish Kumar Reddy showcased remarkable composure to achieve his first Test century, instrumental in his team’s comeback against Australia during the third day of the fourth Test match.
As play concluded on Saturday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, India’s innings stood at 358-9, trailing Australia’s total of 474 by 116 runs. The situation could have been far worse for India, thanks to Reddy’s impressive knock. Coming in at No. 8, Reddy batted resiliently to steady the innings after his team was precariously placed at 221-7, forging a vital partnership of 127 runs with Washington Sundar, who contributed 50 runs.
The duo almost broke the record for the highest eighth-wicket partnership for India against Australia, which currently stands at 129 and was previously set by Harbhajan Singh and Sachin Tendulkar at the Sydney Cricket Ground back in January 2008. During their partnership, Sundar did offer a chance early in his innings, having had a difficult opportunity dropped by a diving Steve Smith while facing Mitchell Starc. Nevertheless, the Australian bowlers encountered few chances as Reddy remained unbeaten on 85 at the tea break.
As he approached his century, Reddy lost his partner, Sundar, who was finally dismissed for 50. He was caught at slip by the spinner Nathan Lyon, leaving India at 348-8. Reddy then faced rising tension as he was two runs shy of his century. After the dismissal of tailender Jasprit Bumrah, caught off Pat Cummins’ bowling, the pressure grew. However, Mohammed Siraj managed to survive a few deliveries, allowing Reddy to secure his century in dramatic fashion with an impressive boundary that sent the Indian fans into a frenzy, including his father, who was visibly emotional in the stands.
Mutyala, Reddy’s father, expressed immense pride and joy after witnessing his son’s historic accomplishment. “This is a day that our family will cherish forever. He has showcased his talent since he was young, and now to see him perform at the international level is a special moment,” he stated, revealing his nervousness during the tense finish.
Reddy’s century was crafted from 171 balls, bringing forth ten boundaries and one six. However, play was halted shortly after, due to fading light and rain, with Reddy remaining at 105 not out. Sundar conveyed his optimism about India’s position despite trailing, stating that the team was determined to fight. “Competing against Australia in such a significant series is always a challenge. I’m overjoyed for Nitish and the incredible century he achieved; it will be remembered for a long time,” he noted.
Scott Boland, an Australian fast bowler, reported that teammate Mitchell Starc was dealing with a minor injury but reassured that he was still performing well. “He’s been feeling a slight discomfort in his back or rib, yet was still bowling at a decent speed, so I believe he’ll be alright. He often plays through pain and is remarkably tough,” added Boland.
Beginning the day at 164-5, India struggled to reach 244-7 by lunch, losing Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja along the way. However, the Indian tail waged a resilient fight afterward, adding 82 runs without losing a wicket during the post-lunch session. Cummins and Boland took three wickets each for Australia. Australia’s first-innings total was bolstered by Steve Smith’s impressive 140, marking his 34th century in Test cricket.
The ongoing five-match series stands level at 1-1 after a rain-affected draw in Brisbane, with the final Test set to commence on January 3 in Sydney.
