Nitish Reddy brilliant 100 holds back Australia as boxing day test heads towards exciting finish

 

A breathtaking century from 21 year old rookie Nitish Reddy and a stubborn 50 from Washington Sundar kept India alive on the 3rd day of the 4th India vs Australia test at Melbourne. India looked likely to be bowled out around lunch time but the stellar display from Reddy & Sundar kept the hosts at bay and frustrated their bowlers . 

Nitish Kumar Reddy stood at 96 runs, just one stroke away from his maiden Test century. In the stands, his father, Muthyala Reddy, sat with eyes closed, praying fervently for his son's success. Meanwhile, drama unfolded on the field as Washington Sundar fell to Nathan Lyon for a hardworking  50, followed by Jasprit Bumrah’s dismissal for a duck. Despite the setbacks, Nitish remained resolute. His father's prayers did not go unanswered. Finally, the moment arrived—Nitish reached his first Test century, a milestone that brought immense joy to the gallery and relief to the Indian camp with a lofted shot over mid on off the accurate Scott Boland .

The Melbourne Test, part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, had seen Australia dominate with a massive 474-run first-innings total. On Day 3, as India struggled under the weight of that score, it was Visakhapatnam's Nitish Kumar Reddy who rose to the occasion. Critics had been skeptical about his inclusion in the playing XI, but Nitish silenced them with his gritty performance. India began the day on 165/5 and Pant (29) looked in good touch as he threatened to make a big score but a moment of indecision saw him play a terrible hoick to be caught on the third man boundary  . Soon Jadeja (17) was lbw to Lyon as India slumped to 221/7.  With crucial wickets like Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja falling rapidly , Nitish took it upon himself to stabilize the innings. From 221 for 7, he battled against the likes of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, and Scott Boland, adding over 100 valuable runs to the scoreboard. His stellar 181-ball century gave India a fighting chance.  Nitish played dazzling strokes all around the ground and also showed solid defensive technique as well as the ability to deal with short pitch bowling . While Sundar safely held firm at the other end  , Reddy played his natural game 

Batting at number eight, Nitish celebrated his half-century in style with the signature "Pushpa" move. Upon reaching his century, he placed his helmet on the ground, rested his bat vertically, and raised his hands in prayer—a gesture reminiscent of the iconic "Baahubali" scene. In the stands, his father was overcome with emotion, tears streaming down his face as he witnessed his son’s first Test century on foreign soil.

Nitish’s resilient innings significantly reduced the deficit for India, with Washington Sundar also providing crucial support. However, the day's play was cut short due to poor light. At stumps on Day 3, Nitish remained unbeaten on 105, with Mohammed Siraj on 2 not out. India closed the day at 358 for 9, trailing Australia by 116 runs.