India unearthed a new batting star as 21-year-old Nitish Kumar Reddy displayed remarkable composure to score his maiden Test century, spearheading a spirited fightback on day three of the fourth Test against Australia.
At stumps on Saturday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, India reached 358-9, trailing Australia’s first-innings total of 474 by 116 runs—a far cry from the precarious position of 221-7 earlier in the day.
Reddy, playing only his fourth Test and batting at No. 8, stitched together a crucial 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar, who contributed a gritty 50. Their stand came within two runs of equaling India’s eighth-wicket record against Australia, set by Harbhajan Singh and Sachin Tendulkar in Sydney in 2008.
Sundar, primarily a spin-bowling all-rounder, survived a sharp chance off Mitchell Starc at 18, dropped by a diving Steve Smith in the slips. However, Sundar played a resolute knock, facing 162 deliveries and striking just one boundary before falling to Nathan Lyon (2-88) at 348-8.
Reddy’s innings was a blend of patience and flair. On 97, he lost Jasprit Bumrah for a duck to Pat Cummins (3-86), but steadied himself to complete his hundred with an elegant on-drive to the boundary. His milestone—off 171 balls and featuring 10 fours and one six—was met with deafening cheers from the crowd, including his father.
The day began with India resuming on 164-5 and struggling to 244-7 by lunch after losing Rishabh Pant (28) and Ravindra Jadeja (17). However, Reddy and Sundar counterattacked effectively, adding 82 runs without loss in the post-lunch session.
Rain and bad light eventually halted play with Reddy unbeaten on 105. His innings has been the standout performance in a challenging series for India’s lower order, which has often been tested by Australia’s relentless bowling attack led by Cummins and Scott Boland (3-57).
Australia’s 474 was anchored by Steve Smith’s 34th Test century, a sublime 140 that moved him into joint-seventh on the all-time list for Test hundreds.
The five-match series, tied 1-1 after a rain-affected draw in Brisbane, sets up a thrilling finale in Sydney, starting January 3.
