Day 3 of the 4th Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground saw a valiant fightback from India’s lower-middle order, led by Nitish Kumar Reddy‘s brilliant unbeaten maiden Test century. After trailing Australia by a significant margin, India displayed resilience against a relentless Australian attack. By stumps, India had reached 358/9, still trailing by 116 runs but with their hopes alive, courtesy of Reddy’s standout performance.
A 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 Pant and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease, hopes were pinned on the pair to forge a solid partnership. However, Australia’s persistence bore fruit early, with Nathan Lyon trapping Jadeja plumb in front for 17. Pant, despite showing glimpses of aggression, fell soon after for 28, caught at square leg off Scott Boland. At 191/7, India seemed destined for a swift collapse, struggling to cope with the bounce and movement on offer.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s grit and determination: Maiden test hundred
Amidst the chaos, Nitish Reddy, playing in just his second Test, showcased immense composure under pressure. The 20-year-old batter, combining sound technique with calculated aggression, took charge of India’s innings. He found an able partner in Washington Sundar, and together they stitched a crucial 127-run stand for the eighth wicket. Sundar played the perfect foil, absorbing the pressure and wearing down the bowlers with his dogged defense, scoring a patient 50 off 162 deliveries.
Reddy’s knock was a masterclass in counter-attacking cricket. His stroke play against the spinners, particularly Lyon, was exemplary, as he used his feet to neutralize the turn. Against the pacers, he was equally assured, driving confidently and handling the short-pitched deliveries with poise. His innings of 105* off 176 balls, laced with ten boundaries and one 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 wild as Nitish Reddy hits maiden century on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test at MCG
Late drama as Australia maintains control in MCG test
The partnership was eventually broken when Sundar fell to Lyon, caught at slip by Steve Smith, leaving India at 348/8. Jasprit Bumrah followed shortly, unable to offer much resistance. Reddy, however, remained unbeaten, shepherding the tail admirably and ensuring India added vital runs. By the close of play, Mohammed Siraj had survived seven deliveries, supporting Reddy in extending the fight to Day 4.
Australia’s bowlers, led by Scott Boland and Pat Cummins, were relentless throughout the day. Boland’s precise line and length yielded him figures of 3/57, while Cummins’ raw pace accounted for three key wickets. Lyon was instrumental in breaking partnerships, finishing with 2/88. However, the hosts would have been disappointed with the late resistance, which could prove pivotal in this closely contested Test.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Really enjoyed calling the moment when Nitish got to the landmark and sharing the emotion. It was beautiful. Something you look forward to as a broadcaster.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 28, 2024
What an innings , dear Nitish. To become the third youngest Indian to score a Test hundred in Aus and what an ocassion to do it with the team in trouble. I am sure this will be first of many. Enjoyed your positivity and fearless stroke play. Keep it up. God bless you always 🌸 pic.twitter.com/tSWuL4kKYF
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 28, 2024
8 years ago, Mutyala Reddy, an employee at Hindustan Zinc, quit as he was getting transferred & wanted to instead focus on his son’s cricket.
Today he saw him get his maiden century in front of 80,000 spectators at the MCG
It’s as much his dream coming true as Nitish’s! pic.twitter.com/vaifQtlzGU— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) December 28, 2024
Nitish had already arrived. No doubt about his stroke making and beautiful bat swing. But today, brother has shown his mental strength. Cricket gods are in tears. The love of my life is in tears. Wolf are paying tribute. Beautiful.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) December 28, 2024
Imagine scoring a Test hundred overseas batting at No.8. Bloody hell, NITISH KUMAR REDDY.
— arfan (@Im__Arfan) December 28, 2024
Congratulations to Nitish kumar reddy on scoring his first century. This remarkable achievement reflects hard work and dedication. We look forward to witnessing more successes in your career. Keep inspiring us all. pic.twitter.com/fjhe7iN8T9
— 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@MdShami11) December 28, 2024
What a proud feeling 🥹👏 #NitishKumarReddy #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/PEJOlQ3mdx
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) December 28, 2024
A proud father 🥹❤️
Emotional scenes at the MCG 🫶🏻 #AUSvIND #PlayWithFire pic.twitter.com/efU62qRSDo
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) December 28, 2024
NKR ek naam nahi, 𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗗 hai! 🔥#AUSvIND #MumbaiMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians pic.twitter.com/UMApsy66KT
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) December 28, 2024
This young man just continues to impress. His compact technique, gutsy attitude and most importantly the way he puts a price on his wicket are all impressive attributes of a fine Test batter in the making. Very well played 👏🏻👏🏻 #AUSvIND #nitishkumarreddy pic.twitter.com/vIZyVyM2UJ
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 28, 2024
What a moment for Nitish Kumar Reddy’s father 🤩#Cricket #AUSvIND #NitishKumarReddy #nitishkumarreddy pic.twitter.com/aqAxYV3Be3
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 28, 2024
𝐑𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐚, 𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐚, 𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐚! 🔥💯#AavaDe | #AUSvIND | #Pushpa2TheRule | [📸: ESPNCricinfo] pic.twitter.com/SGYfNY4kdZ
— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) December 28, 2024
