Day 3 of the 4th Test Australia and India Melbourne Cricket Ground saw a valiant fightback led by India’s lower-middle order. Nitish Kumar Reddy‘s brilliant unbeaten maiden Test century. After trailing Australia by a significant margin, India showed resilience against a relentless Australian attack. At stumps, India reached 358/9, still trailing by 116 runs, but hopes were alive thanks to Reddy’s outstanding performance.
A dismal start for India: Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant’s fall
Resuming Day 3 at a precarious 164/5, India faced a tough task against a disciplined Australian bowling unit. with Rishabh pants and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease, hopes were pinned on the pair to form a solid partnership. But Australia’s persistence paid off early Nathan Lyon Plumb trapping Jadeja in front for 17. Pant, despite showing glimpses of aggression, fell shortly after for 28, caught off square leg Scott Boland. At 191/7, India looked set for a quick collapse, struggling to cope with the bounce and movement on offer.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s determination and determination: Girl test hundred
Amid the chaos, Nitish Reddy, playing his second Test, showed great composure under pressure. Combining sound technique with calculated aggression, the 20-year-old batsman led India’s innings. He found a competent partner Washington Sundarand together they built a crucial 127-run stand for the eighth wicket. Sundar played a perfect foil, absorbed the pressure and scored 50 from 162 deliveries with his brave defence.
Reddy’s knock was a masterclass in counter-attacking cricket. His batting against the spinners, particularly Lyon, was exemplary as he used his legs to neutralize the spin. Against the Pacers, he was equally confident, driving with confidence and playing short deliveries with poise. His innings of 105* off 176 balls, laced with ten boundaries and a six, brought India back into the contest and disappointed the Australians who were hoping for a quick end to the innings.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Fans go wild as Nitish Reddy hits maiden century on Day 3 of Boxing Day Test at MCG.
Late drama as Australia retain control in MCG Test
The partnership was finally broken when Sundar left India at 348/8 to Lyon caught at slip by Steve Smith. jasprit bumrah soon after he could not resist much. Reddy, however, remained unbeaten, controlled the tail admirably and added vital runs to India. Near the end of the game, Muhammad Siraj survived seven deliveries, supporting Reddy in extending the fight to day 4.
led by the Australian bowlers Scott Boland and Pat Cumminswas relentless throughout the day. Boland’s accurate line and length gave him figures of 3/57, while Cummins’ raw pace scored three crucial wickets. Lyon was instrumental in breaking partnerships, finishing with 2/88. However, the hosts would be disappointed by the late resistance that could prove key in this closely contested Test.
Here’s Twitter’s reaction:
It was a pleasure to call and share the emotion the moment Nitish reached the milestone. it was beautiful. Something to look forward to as a broadcaster.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 28, 2024
What an inning, dear Nitish. What a treat to be the third youngest Indian to score a Test hundred in Aus and to do so with a struggling team. I’m sure this will be the first of many. I enjoyed your positivity and fearless batting. Continue. 🌸 May God protect you always pic.twitter.com/tSWuL4kKYF
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 28, 2024
8 years ago, Mutyala Reddy, who was working for Hindustan Sinc, quit when he was transferred and wanted to focus on his son’s cricket instead.
Today saw him get his maiden century in front of 80,000 spectators at the MCG.
It’s as much his dream come true as it is Nitish’s! pic.twitter.com/vaifQtlzGU— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) December 28, 2024
Nitish had already arrived. He certainly has a shot and a nice swing with the bat. But today the brother showed his mental strength. The cricket gods are in tears. The love of my life is in tears. Wolf pays tribute. nice
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) December 28, 2024
Imagine a test hundred outside batting at number 8. BLOODY HELL, NITISH KUMAR REDDY.
— arfan (@Im__Arfan) December 28, 2024
Congratulations to Nitish kumar reddy for scoring his maiden century. This remarkable achievement reflects hard work and dedication. We look forward to witnessing more success in your career. Keep inspiring us all. pic.twitter.com/fjhe7iN8T9
— @MdShami11 December 28, 2024
What a proud feeling 🥹👏 #NitishKumarReddy #AUSWIND pic.twitter.com/PEJOlQ3mdx
— S. Badrinath (@s_badrinath) December 28, 2024
Proud father 🥹❤️
Emotional scenes at the MCG 🫶🏻 #AUSWIND #PlaywithFire pic.twitter.com/efU62qRSDo
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) December 28, 2024
DQR is not a name, 𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗗!#AUSWIND #MumbaiMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians pic.twitter.com/UMApsy66KT
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) December 28, 2024
This young man just continues to amaze. His compact technique, gutsy attitude and most importantly his wicket-taking are impressive attributes of a fine Test batter in the making. It was performed very well 👏🏻👏🏻 #AUSWIND #nitishkumarreddy pic.twitter.com/vIZyVyM2UJ
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 28, 2024
What a moment for Nitish Kumar Reddy’s father 🤩#cricket #AUSWIND #NitishKumarReddy #nitishkumarreddy pic.twitter.com/aqAxYV3Be3
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 28, 2024
Rap, rap, rap! 🔥💯#AavaSay | #AUSWIND | #Pushpa2TheRule | (📸: ESPNCricinfo) pic.twitter.com/SGYfNY4kdZ
— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) December 28, 2024
