MELBOURNE, Dec 28: Young Nitish Reddy achieved a remarkable milestone by scoring his first international century while batting at number eight, carrying India to 358 for nine at the end of the third day of the fourth Test against Australia on Saturday.
Entering the game after the sixth wicket fell with the team only at 191 in response to Australia’s first innings of 474 all out, the 21-year-old Reddy remained unbeaten at 105 off 176 deliveries, forming a record partnership of 127 runs for the eighth wicket with Washington Sundar, who contributed 50 runs off 162 balls.
Their partnership not only prevented India from facing the follow-on but also helped them close the gap to the Australian total after starting the day 310 runs behind, with the top five batsmen already back in the dugout.
At the end of play, India trailed by 116 runs.
The day ended early due to poor visibility.
Reddy reached his century with an elegant lofted shot over mid-on off Scott Boland, and the presence of his father at the MCG added to the significance of the moment.
Throughout his innings, Reddy demonstrated to the team’s seasoned players the importance of playing through adversity.
Earlier in the day, India, who resumed on 164 for five, witnessed Rishabh Pant (28) squander his wicket at a vital moment, followed by Ravindra Jadeja being struck lbw for 17.
Brief scores:
Australia 1st innings: 474
India 1st innings: 358/9 in 116 overs (Nitish Reddy batting 105, Yashasvi Jasiwal 82, Washington Sundar 50; Scott Boland 3/57, Pat Cummins 3/86).
