Day 3 of the 4th Test between Australia and India The Melbourne Cricket Ground saw a brave fight from India’s lower-middle order, led by Nitish Kumar ReddyThe brilliant undefeated opening test of the century. After trailing Australia by a significant margin, India showed resilience in the face of a relentless Australian attack. Incidentally, India had reached 358/9, still trailing by 116 runs but with their hopes alive, courtesy of Reddy’s outstanding performance.
Dismal start for India: fall of Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant
Resuming Day 3 at a precarious 164/5, India faced a daunting task against a disciplined Australian bowling unit. With RISHABH PANTS and Ravindra Jadeja At the crease, hopes were pinned on the pair forging a strong partnership. However, Australia’s persistence bore first fruit, with Natalia Lyon trapping Jadeja in front for 17. Pant, despite showing flashes of aggression, fell soon after for 28, caught at square leg Scott Boland. At 191/7, India looked destined for a rapid collapse, struggling to cope with the bounce and movement on offer.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Courage and Determination: Inaugural Test Hundred
Amidst the chaos, Nitish Reddy, playing only his second Test, showed immense composure under pressure. The 20-year-old batsman, combining solid technique with calculated aggression, took charge of India’s innings. Found a capable partner in Washington Sundarand together they stitched a crucial 127-run stand for the eighth wicket. Sundar played the perfect role, absorbing the pressure and wearing players down with his tenacious defending, scoring a patient 50 off 162 deliveries.
Reddy’s knock was a masterclass in counter-attacking cricket. His strokeplay against spinners, particularly Lyon, was exemplary as he used his feet to neutralize spin. Against pacers he was equally assured, driving with confidence and handling short deliveries with aplomb. His innings of 105* off 176 balls, combined with ten boundaries and a six, brought India back into the contest and frustrated the Australians who were hoping for a quick end to the innings.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Fans go crazy as Nitish Reddy hits his maiden century on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test at MCG
Late drama as Australia maintain control in MCG Test
The partnership was finally broken when Sundar fell to Lyon, stumped by Steve Smith, leaving India at 348/8. jasprit bumrah followed shortly after, unable to offer much resistance. Reddy, however, remained unbeaten, leading the tail admirably and ensuring India added vital runs. At the end of the game, Mohammed Siraj he had survived seven deliveries, helping Reddy extend the fight to day 4.
Australia’s bowlers, led by Scott Boland and Pat CumminsThey were relentless throughout the day. Boland’s precise line and length gave him figures of 3/57, while Cummins’ raw pace accounted for three key wickets. Lyon was instrumental in breaking up partnerships, finishing with 2/88. However, the hosts would have been disappointed by the late resistance, which could prove pivotal in this closely contested test.
This is how Twitter reacted:
I really enjoyed narrating the moment Nitish reached the milestone and sharing the excitement. It was beautiful. Something you look forward to as a broadcaster.
—Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 28, 2024
What an entry, dear Nitish. Becoming the third youngest Indian to score a Test hundred in Australia and what an occasion to do so with the team in trouble. I’m sure this will be the first of many. I enjoyed your positivity and your brave hitting game. Keep it up. God bless you always 🌸 pic.twitter.com/tSWuL4kKYF
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 28, 2024
8 years ago, Mutyala Reddy, a Hindustan Zinc employee, quit because he was being transferred and wanted to concentrate on his son’s cricket.
Today saw him score his first century in front of 80,000 spectators at the MCG.
It’s both his and Nitish’s dream come true! pic.twitter.com/vaifQtlzGU– Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) December 28, 2024
Nitish had already arrived. There is no doubt about his hitting and his beautiful swing with the bat. But today his brother has shown his mental strength. The cricket gods are crying. The love of my life is crying. Wolf is paying tribute. Beautiful.
– Fool Point (@FarziCricketer) December 28, 2024
Imagine scoring a Test hundred overseas batting at number 8. Damn, NITISH KUMAR REDDY.
– arfan (@Im__Arfan) December 28, 2024
Congratulations to Nitish Kumar Reddy for scoring his first century. This remarkable achievement reflects hard work and dedication. We hope to witness more successes in your career. Continue to inspire us all. pic.twitter.com/fjhe7iN8T9
— @MdShami11 December 28, 2024
What a feeling of pride 🥹👏 #NitishKumarReddy #AUSWIND pic.twitter.com/PEJOlQ3mdx
– S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) December 28, 2024
A proud father 🥹❤️
Emotional scenes at the MCG 🫶🏻 #AUSWIND #PlayWithFire pic.twitter.com/efU62qRSDo
– SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) December 28, 2024
NKR is not a name, it is 𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗗!#AUSWIND #MumbaiMeriJaan #indiosdemumbai pic.twitter.com/UMApsy66KT
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) December 28, 2024
This young man continues to impress. His compact technique, fearless attitude and most importantly, the way he prices his wicket are impressive attributes of an excellent Test batsman in the making. Very well played 👏🏻👏🏻 #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! 🔥💯#AavaDe | #AUSWIND | #Pushpa2TheRule | [📸: ESPNCricinfo] pic.twitter.com/SGYfNY4kdZ
— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) December 28, 2024