In an unprecedented display of resilience and skill, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar have carved their names into cricket history books during the third day of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Nitish Kumar Reddy’s brilliant maiden century

Nitish, the 21-year-old all-rounder, walked into bat when India were in a precarious position at 191/6, still trailing Australia significantly. His determination and technique were on full display as he not only anchored the innings but also scored his maiden Test century, becoming the first Indian at number eight to achieve this feat Down Under.

Washington Sundar’s crucial role in a record partnership

Nitish’s knock was a mixture of patience and aggression, showcasing his ability to adapt under pressure. Alongside Reddy, Washington, known for his off-spin bowling, played an equally crucial role. Together, they formed a partnership that not only frustrated the Australian bowling attack but also broke records.

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Breaking records: A partnership for the ages

Their stand for the eighth wicket was not just about the runs but about the number of deliveries faced, with both players reaching over 150 balls in their innings – an achievement never before seen by batters at these positions in Test matches. Their partnership has achieved what no other pair from numbers eight and nine in the batting order has done in 147 years of Test cricket history for India. The duo’s resilience was evident as they faced 210 deliveries together, setting a new benchmark for endurance and skill at the MCG, one of cricket’s most iconic venues.

India fightback on the bank of Nitish and Washington’s batting heroics

Nitish’s innings was nothing short of spectacular, with him remaining unbeaten on 105 runs off 176 balls, including 10 fours and a six. His father’s emotional reaction to his son’s achievement, captured on camera, added a heartwarming human element to the sporting spectacle. Washington, on the other hand, played a more measured innings, scoring a half-century off 146 balls, providing the perfect foil to Reddy’s more aggressive approach.

The partnership was crucial in reducing India’s deficit to 116 runs by the end of Day 3, giving India a glimmer of hope in what seemed like a lost cause earlier in the day. The duo’s effort was not just about personal milestones but about team survival, showcasing the depth and quality of Indian cricket’s lower order.

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