In a match that had all the elements of cricket drama, Nitish Kumar ReddyThe young Indian all-rounder, etched his name in the history of Test cricket by scoring his first hundred on the third day of the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). With the score at 221/7 when he came in, Reddy’s innings under pressure not only steadied the ship but also brought India back into the game, avoiding a follow-on and reducing the deficit significantly.
A Test Batting Masterclass
Reddy’s knock was a masterclass in Test batting, scoring 103 runs off 172 balls, adorned with 10 fours and a six. His innings were characterized by a mix of defensive solidity and attacking style, especially against the likes of Pat Cummins and Natalia Lyon in a field that had offered little to the players. The century was not just a personal milestone for Reddy, but also a turning point for India, which, at one point, seemed to be on the brink of capitulation.
The crowd erupts to celebrate the moment.
The moment Reddy reached his century was greeted with a standing ovation from the MCG fans, both Indian and Australian, appreciating the sheer determination and skill displayed. His father, visibly moved, was seen in the stands, a testament to the personal significance of this achievement.
Also WATCH: AUS vs IND – Sunil Gavaskar slams Rishabh Pant for his reckless dismissal on Day 3 of the MCG Test
India’s comeback on day 3
India started the day needing to recover from the game after Australia posted a formidable 474 in their first innings. The morning session saw the fall of RISHABH PANTS and Ravindra Jadejaleaving India in a precarious situation. However, the partnership between Reddy and Washington Sundar was crucial. They added a crucial 127 runs for the eighth wicket, and Sundar contributed 50 before falling to Lyon.
This is how the fans reacted:
A special player… A special knock… he is here to conquer the world… Nitish reddy, you are amazing and a true match winner… I wish you an extraordinary career in all formats, winning matches for the nation.
– ATR (@RayuduAmbati) December 28, 2024
Nitish Kumar Reddy how wonderful 💯, this guy is insurance for the future of India. #INDvAUS
-Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) December 28, 2024
Hahaha, what a bad shot to raise his 100. Well fought by Nitish Reddy. His crying dad has us crying. 😭👏🏼 #AUSWIND
– Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB) December 28, 2024
Nitish needs the DSP to protect him 😉
-DK (@DineshKarthik) December 28, 2024
What do men dream of? pic.twitter.com/rW1y2sO49f
– Sagar (@sagarcasm) December 28, 2024
Ton debut for the history books! 👑#whistlepodu #AUSWIND
📸: @BCCI pic.twitter.com/MT3KRVwrOb– Kings of Chennai (@ChennaiIPL) December 28, 2024
Amazing scenes @mcg with Reddy raising his maid 💯 What a fight!! You can’t help but applaud 👏🏽
—Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) December 28, 2024
It is a century of high-quality Test and technical skill from 21-year-old Nitish Kumar Reddy. He left the ball skillfully and attacked when necessary. Another deeply moving story about the sacrifice of parents in Indian cricket.
– Ian Raphael Obispo (@irbishi) December 28, 2024
Nitish Reddy celebrated his first Test century in typical Telugu film style!#INDvsAUS #indvAus#HONESTvsIND
-Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) December 28, 2024
Excellent century! One of the best I have seen given the quality of his batting in defense and attack, and his remarkable temperament under acute pressure. take a bow #NitishKumarReddy
– Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) December 28, 2024
NKR!!!
-Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) December 28, 2024
The feeling of first Test century for Nitish Kumar Reddy 😍#nitishreddy #AUSWIND pic.twitter.com/EhVh01LO0y
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 28, 2024
A MagnifiCENTURY from NKR, the superstar! 🌟
Iconic venue ➡️ The stakes are high ➡️ Team in need: Nitish Reddy steps up and smashes his first international century! 🌟#PlayBold #AUSWIND pic.twitter.com/MlDxTcKAYS
– Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) December 28, 2024
Take a bow Nitish. Magnificent 💯 to enter a difficult situation. I sincerely hope that at least now people no longer doubt his ability at this level.
—Prasanna (@prasannalara) December 28, 2024
Happy with that 🇮🇳
Nitish Kumar Reddy brings up his first Test century! pic.twitter.com/VLC23NWNqQ
– Melbourne Cricket Ground (@MCG) December 28, 2024
At public request. This is for Nitish Kumar Reddy. Well played young man 👏 very proud of you 💯 pic.twitter.com/F6e4T9XEkJ
—Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 28, 2024
One of the best centuries under pressure.
Nitish Kumar Reddy🔥 pic.twitter.com/Wo1uWoe7IZ—Krishna (@Atheist_Krishna) December 28, 2024
What a player Nitish Kumar Reddy 💪
Well deserved century #nitishkumarreddy pic.twitter.com/28kbaHsG4W– Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) December 28, 2024
A star is born! Take a bow to Nitish Kumar Reddy, what a 100 in a difficult situation, so composed and well organized in defense and attack. His association with Washington Sundar was just what India needed. Great day to be Indian on Boxing Day test: dholaks, India India chants,… pic.twitter.com/hT5z37UWEa
– Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) December 28, 2024
What a moment for Nitish Kumar Reddy ❤️🫶🕉️! Congratulations brother on the first century in Australia. #nitishkumarreddy https://t.co/9Iif8QSM9A
– Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) December 28, 2024