In a match that had all the elements of cricketing drama, Nitish Kumar Reddy, the young Indian all-rounder, carved his name into Test cricket history by scoring his maiden 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 walked in, Reddy’s innings under pressure not only steadied the ship but also brought India back into the game, avoiding the follow-on and reducing the deficit significantly.
A masterclass in Test batting
Reddy’s knock was a masterclass in Test match batting, scoring 103 runs off 172 balls, adorned with 10 fours and a six. His innings was characterized by a blend of defensive solidity and attacking flair, especially against the likes of Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon on a pitch that had offered little to the bowlers. The century was not just a personal milestone for Reddy but also a crucial moment for India, who, at one point, seemed to be on the brink of capitulation.
Crowd erupts to celebrate the moment
The moment Reddy reached his century was met with a standing ovation from the fans at the MCG, both Indian and Australian, appreciating the sheer determination and skill on display. His father, visibly emotional, was seen in the stands, a testament to the personal significance of this achievement.
Also WATCH: AUS vs IND – Sunil Gavaskar brutally slams Rishabh Pant over his reckless dismissal on Day 3 of the MCG Test
India’s fightback on Day 3
India started the day needing to claw back into the game after Australia posted a formidable 474 in their first innings. The morning session saw the fall of Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja, leaving India in a precarious position. However, the partnership between Reddy and Washington Sundar was pivotal. They added a crucial 127 runs for the eighth wicket, with Sundar contributing 50 before falling to Lyon.
Here is how fans reacted:
A special player.. A special knock.. he is here to take on the world.. Nitish reddy you are amazing and a true match winner .. wish you an extraordinary career across formats winning matches for the nation.
— ATR (@RayuduAmbati) December 28, 2024
Nitish Kumar Reddy what a wonderful 💯, this guy is a lock for India’s future. #INDvAUS
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) December 28, 2024
Hahaha what a bad arse shot to bring up his 100. Well fought by Nitish Reddy. His dad in tears has us in tears. 😭👏🏼 #AUSvIND
— Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB) December 28, 2024
Nitish needs the DSP to protect him 😉
— DK (@DineshKarthik) December 28, 2024
What men dream pic.twitter.com/rW1y2sO49f
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) December 28, 2024
Debut Ton for the history books! 👑#WhistlePodu #AUSvIND
📸 : @BCCI pic.twitter.com/MT3KRVwrOb— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) December 28, 2024
Amazing scenes @mcg with Reddy brining up his maiden 💯 What a fighting knock!! You can’t help but applaud 👏🏽
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) December 28, 2024
That’s a test century of high quality and technical skill from 21 yr old Nitish Kumar Reddy. Left the ball expertly, & attacked when needed. Another deeply moving story of parental sacrifice in Indian cricket.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) December 28, 2024
Nitish Reddy celebrated his maiden Test century in a typical Telugu movie style!#INDvsAUS #indvAus#AUSvsIND
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) December 28, 2024
Superb century! One of the best I’ve seen given the quality of his batsmanship in defence and attack, snd 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 maiden Test century for Nitish Kumar Reddy 😍#nitishreddy #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/EhVh01LO0y
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 28, 2024
A MagnifiCENTURY by NKR, the Superstar! 🌟
Iconic venue ➡️ high stakes ➡️ team in need: Nitish Reddy steps up and smashes his maiden international century! 🌟#PlayBold #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/MlDxTcKAYS
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) December 28, 2024
Take a bow Nitish. Magnificent 💯 walking in at a tough situation. Sincerely hope people will at least now won’t doubt his ability at this level anymore.
— Prasanna (@prasannalara) December 28, 2024
Happy with that 🇮🇳
Nitish Kumar Reddy brings up his maiden Test century! pic.twitter.com/VLC23NWNqQ
— Melbourne Cricket Ground (@MCG) 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
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 Nitish Kumar Reddy, what a 100 in a tough situation, so composed and well organised in defence and attack . His partnership with Washington Sundar just what India needed. Great day to be an Indian at the 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 for maiden century in Aus #nitishkumarreddy https://t.co/9Iif8QSM9A
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) December 28, 2024
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Sunil Gavaskar explains why Mohammed Siraj should be dropped from the upcoming 5th Test
