Day 3 of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) saw Nitish Kumar Reddy hit his first Test century in an incredible show of skill and tenacity.

With the help of Washington Sundar’s cool half-century, the young Indian batsman helped India rally from a hazardous position and end the day at 358/9, 116 runs behind Australia.

The Morning Struggles of India

India resumed their innings at 221/7 in the morning session, bringing with it early drama. Renowned for his bold stroke play, Rishabh Pant was unsuccessful when he tried to hit Scott Boland with a lap shot.

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Pant was left lying on the pitch in exasperation when Nathan Lyon at third man snagged a top-edge from the misdirected attempt. Ravindra Jadeja, who had displayed admirable self-control during his 51-ball stint, fell victim to Lyon shortly after. With a quicker delivery at 88 km/h, the off-spinner trapped Jadeja leg before wicket, plunging India into a precarious situation.

Sundar and Nitish Take the Lead in the Comeback

Together with Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy launched India’s comeback. The two shown skill and tenacity, confirming the team’s audacious selection decisions for this important match. Earlier in the series, Nitish, who had displayed flashes of his talent with three runs in the 40s, batted with force. His innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, marked by elegant drives and calculated risk-taking.

Conversely, Washington Sundar displayed his toughness and poise. The all-rounder batted with purpose, much like his iconic 62-run knock at the Gabba in 2021. A dropped catch by Steve Smith in the slips gave Sundar a reprieve, allowing him to capitalize and reach his fourth Test fifty.

Australia Continues to Have a Slim Edge

Steve Smith’s graceful 140 and Marnus Labuschagne’s solid 72 helped Australia to a commanding 474 in the first innings of the game. With 4 for 99, Jasprit Bumrah was India’s most impressive bowler.

Australia had a slim lead going into Day 4 despite Nitish’s valiant efforts.

Nitish Reddy’s Special Achievement

Nitish became more confident as the afternoon practice went on. He did a fantastic job of adjusting to the Australian bowling assault, avoiding common pitfalls such as playing the ramp shot against the short balls of Pat Cummins. Despite being struck in the glove,

Nitish remained calm and concentrated. The 21-year-old shown maturity beyond his years by avoiding temptation and making accurate shots.

When Nitish reached his century in the final session, the MCG audience witnessed a stroke of genius. He lofted Scott Boland for a boundary down the ground after 18 anxious deliveries in the 1990s, reaching the desired milestone to thunderous applause.

Rain forced an early end to the day’s play, and his father, who was clearly upset in the grandstand, celebrated the event.

Short Scores

Australia 474 (Jasprit Bumrah 4-99, Marnus Labuschagne 72, and Steve Smith 140)

India 358/9 (Scott Boland 3-57), Yashasvi Jaiswal 82, Nitish Kumar Reddy 105

With the match perfectly set, India will try to build on Nitish’s milestone and get closer to Australia’s total on Day 4. In addition to solidifying his spot in the team, the young batter’s first century gives India hope for a comeback in this crucial match.