28 December 2024: Nitish Reddy’s maiden international century helped India recover to 358 for 9 at the close of play on day three of the fourth Test against Australia on Saturday. The 21-year-old, batting at number eight, scored an unbeaten 105 off 176 balls, anchoring a crucial 127-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Washington Sundar (50 off 162 balls).
India had been in a precarious situation with just 191 on the board and six wickets down in response to Australia’s 474 all out. Reddy’s composed innings, which brought India within 116 runs of the Australian total, gave them a chance to avoid the follow-on after starting the day trailing by 310 runs.
Reddy’s landmark century came with a stylish lofted shot over mid-on off Scott Boland, a moment made all the more special as his father watched from the stands at the MCG.
Earlier, India had resumed at 164 for 5, but Rishabh Pant (28) fell at a critical point, and Ravindra Jadeja was dismissed lbw for 17, further adding to India’s difficulties before Reddy steadied the innings.
India finished the day with a strong position, led by Reddy’s superb effort at the crease.
Brief Scores: Australia 1st innings: 474
India 1st innings: 358/9 in 116 overs (Nitish Reddy 105*, Yashasvi Jaiswal 82, Washington Sundar 50; Scott Boland 3/57, Pat Cummins 3/86).