Nitish Kumar Reddy delivered a stellar performance, rescuing India with a maiden Test hundred against Australia during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Saturday. Reddy’s century at No. 8 proved to be crucial at a time when India desperately needed someone to anchor the innings and stay at the crease.
Having made his debut in the Perth Test, Nitish Kumar Reddy had shown glimpses of his potential with scores of 41, 38*, 42, 42, and 16 leading up to the Boxing Day Test. However, his defining moment came at the MCG when he stepped in following Rishabh Pant’s dismissal, leaving India precariously placed at 191/6 with the threat of a follow-on looming on Day 3 of the fourth Test.
Demonstrating remarkable composure and grit, Reddy built a resilient 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar for the eighth wicket. This stand not only frustrated the Australian bowlers but also became the second-highest eighth-wicket partnership for India in Australia.
Nitish Kumar Reddy reached his century in style, lofting Scott Boland for a boundary when India was nine down, bringing the team’s total to 354, just 120 runs shy of Australia’s first-innings total of 474. His innings not only reduced the deficit but also marked a significant milestone as Reddy became the third-youngest Indian to score a maiden Test century in Australia.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s knock stood out for its resilience under pressure, reflecting the immense promise he holds for the future of Indian cricket. His ability to rise to the occasion and deliver when the team needed it most adds to the growing list of young talents stepping up on the international stage.
