(Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
India managed to stay in the hunt after Nitish Kumar Reddy slammed a belligerent ton on Day 3 of the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday, December 28.
The visitors started Day 3 at 164/5, with Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease. After adding 27 runs to the overnight score, Pant was the first one to depart. The wicketkeeper-batter attempted to play a scoop down to fine-leg but all he managed was a top-edge that flew straight to Nathan Lyon at third man off the bowling of Scott Boland.
Nitish joined Jadeja in the middle and the duo forged a 30-run stand before the latter was trapped in front of the stumps by Nathan Lyon. India were reeling at 221/7 at this stage, with 54 runs still left to avoid the follow-on.
Washington Sundar and Nitish allied and added a sensational partnership of 127 runs off 285 balls. While Sundar played cautiously, Nitish took the attack to the Australian bowlers. Eventually, Lyon broke the partnership as he dismissed the Tamil Nadu all-rounder for a 162-ball 50.
Jasprit Bumrah came out to bat but he could only last three deliveries. Pat Cummins got the better of the Indian vice-captain as Nitish was stranded on 99 at the other end. The onus was on Mohammed Siraj to survive three deliveries from the Aussie skipper and he managed to do so. In the following over, Nitish needed just three deliveries as he lofted Boland over mid-on for a boundary to get to the magical three-figure mark.
Soon after this landmark moment, the umpires took the players off due to bad light. Rain also arrived subsequently as Stumps were drawn. India finished the day at 358/9, still 116 runs behind Australia’s first innings score. Nitish remained unbeaten on 105 off 176 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and one six.
Here’s a look at how ‘X’ users reacted to all the action on Day 3:
A Class Apart in the Maidan! Celebrating his stellar Test centuries that showcase grit, determination, and pure skill at the crease. 🏏🔥#nitishkumarreddy#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/j2hgJefrxH
— Dilip Jain ✨𝒟𝓙✨ (@dilipjain077) December 28, 2024
When India is fighting for qualifying WTC.. Rishab pant played a shot which was not required. India respects talents. But Attitude is also important. #INDvsAUS #BGT2025
— Ashis kar (@ashiskar02) December 28, 2024
In Last 5 Years One Reddy Destroyed AP,
Now One Reddy from Andhra Pradesh Making INDIA Proud 🔥🔥#NitishKumarReddy #Nitish#INDvsAUS
— Naa_istam (@naa_instam) December 28, 2024
Find of series : Nitish
Flop of Series : Pant ,Rohit even Kohli #INDvsAUS
— wanderer (@leokhushi) December 28, 2024
This hundred, this iconic moment, this courageous talent of #IndianCricket will be remembered for ages! What an innings! I am getting very emotional. I know the entire nation too are in same mode. What a player! Take a bow #NitishKumarReddy! You are a champion in the making…… pic.twitter.com/eWrbFwXFid
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) December 28, 2024
What a proud feeling 🥹👏 #NitishKumarReddy #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/PEJOlQ3mdx
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) December 28, 2024
Congratulations to Nitish kumar reddy on scoring his first century. This remarkable achievement reflects hard work and dedication. We look forward to witnessing more successes in your career. Keep inspiring us all. pic.twitter.com/fjhe7iN8T9
— 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@MdShami11) December 28, 2024
On public demand This is for Nitish Kumar reddy. Well played youngster 👏 so proud of you 💯 pic.twitter.com/F6e4T9XEkJ
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 28, 2024
Constantly amazed by these young Indian players, born in T20 times, but still…oh so desperate, for Test match success. Jaiswal, Gill, Washy & now, this new revelation Nitish Kumar Reddy! 👏👏👏🙇🙇
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) December 28, 2024
It’s truly magnificent to see young players like Jaiswal and Nitish Reddy stepping up in challenging situations where even the seniors are struggling. The grit and determination they show give us so much hope for the future of Indian cricket. 🇮🇳🔥 #AUSvsIND #INDvsAUS #BGT2025 pic.twitter.com/K65hXzXsjN
— Dhiraj Jha (@imjhadhiraj) December 28, 2024
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