Day 3 of the 4th Check between Australia and India on the Melbourne Cricket Floor noticed a valiant fightback from India’s lower-middle order, led by Nitish Kumar Reddy‘s good unbeaten maiden Check century. After trailing Australia by a big margin, India displayed resilience in opposition to a relentless Australian assault. By stumps, India had reached 358/9, nonetheless trailing by 116 runs however with their hopes alive, courtesy of Reddy’s standout efficiency.
A dismal begin for India: Fall of Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant
Resuming Day 3 at a precarious 164/5, India confronted a frightening process in opposition to a disciplined Australian bowling unit. With Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja on the crease, hopes had been pinned on the pair to forge a stable partnership. Nevertheless, Australia’s persistence bore fruit early, with Nathan Lyon trapping Jadeja plumb in entrance for 17. Pant, regardless of exhibiting glimpses of aggression, fell quickly after for 28, caught at sq. leg off Scott Boland. At 191/7, India appeared destined for a swift collapse, struggling to deal with the bounce and motion on supply.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s grit and dedication: Maiden check hundred
Amidst the chaos, Nitish Reddy, taking part in in simply his second Check, showcased immense composure underneath stress. The 20-year-old batter, combining sound approach with calculated aggression, took cost of India’s innings. He discovered an ready accomplice in Washington Sundar, and collectively they stitched a vital 127-run stand for the eighth wicket. Sundar performed the right foil, absorbing the stress and sporting down the bowlers along with his dogged protection, scoring a affected person 50 off 162 deliveries.
Reddy’s knock was a masterclass in counter-attacking cricket. His stroke play in opposition to the spinners, notably Lyon, was exemplary, as he used his ft to neutralize the flip. Towards the pacers, he was equally assured, driving confidently and dealing with the short-pitched deliveries with poise. His innings of 105* off 176 balls, laced with ten boundaries and one six, introduced India again into the competition and pissed off the Australians, who had been hoping for a fast finish to the innings.
Additionally READ: AUS vs IND: Followers go wild as Nitish Reddy hits maiden century on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Check at MCG
Late drama as Australia maintains management in MCG check
The partnership was ultimately damaged when Sundar fell to Lyon, caught at slip by Steve Smith, leaving India at 348/8. Jasprit Bumrah adopted shortly, unable to supply a lot resistance. Reddy, nonetheless, remained unbeaten, shepherding the tail admirably and making certain India added important runs. By the shut of play, Mohammed Siraj had survived seven deliveries, supporting Reddy in extending the struggle to Day 4.
Australia’s bowlers, led by Scott Boland and Pat Cummins, had been relentless all through the day. Boland’s exact line and size yielded him figures of three/57, whereas Cummins’ uncooked tempo accounted for 3 key wickets. Lyon was instrumental in breaking partnerships, ending with 2/88. Nevertheless, the hosts would have been disillusioned with the late resistance, which may show pivotal on this carefully contested Check.
Right here’s how Twitter reacted:
Actually loved calling the second when Nitish acquired to the landmark and sharing the emotion. It was stunning. One thing you stay up for as a broadcaster.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 28, 2024
What an innings , pricey Nitish. To develop into the third youngest Indian to attain a Check hundred in Aus and what an ocassion to do it with the group in bother. I’m certain this shall be first of many. Loved your positivity and fearless stroke play. Stick with it. God bless you at all times 🌸 pic.twitter.com/tSWuL4kKYF
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 28, 2024
8 years in the past, Mutyala Reddy, an worker at Hindustan Zinc, stop as he was getting transferred & wished to as a substitute deal with his son’s cricket.
Right this moment he noticed him get his maiden century in entrance of 80,000 spectators on the MCG
It is as a lot his dream coming true as Nitish’s! pic.twitter.com/vaifQtlzGU— Pleasure Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) December 28, 2024
Nitish had already arrived. Little question about his stroke making and delightful bat swing. However right now, brother has proven his psychological energy. Cricket gods are in tears. The love of my life is in tears. Wolf are paying tribute. Stunning.
— Foolish Level (@FarziCricketer) December 28, 2024
Think about scoring a Check hundred abroad 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 outstanding achievement displays arduous work and dedication. We stay up for witnessing extra successes in your profession. Preserve 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 on 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 younger man simply continues to impress. His compact approach, gutsy perspective and most significantly the way in which he places a worth on his wicket are all spectacular attributes of a positive Check batter within the making. Very nicely performed 👏🏻👏🏻 #AUSvIND #nitishkumarreddy pic.twitter.com/vIZyVyM2UJ
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 28, 2024
What a second 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
Additionally WATCH: AUS vs IND – Sunil Gavaskar brutally slams Rishabh Pant over his reckless dismissal on Day 3 of the MCG Check