India’s rising star Nitish Kumar Reddy made a mark in the fourth Test match against Australia with a defiant century on the rain-hit third day. Despite the challenging conditions, Reddy’s innings of 105 not out provided much-needed stability to the Indian batting line-up. Alongside Mohammed Siraj, Reddy reduced the first-innings deficit to 116 runs before play was halted due to rain. The 21-year-old showcased his skill with the bat and his ability to hold the Indian innings together.
Reddy, along with spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar, put on a partnership of 127 runs for the eighth wicket, frustrating the Australian bowlers who had earlier posted a total of 474. Reddy’s innings was a mix of resolute defence and classical strokeplay, reflecting his fine form in this debut series. With an impressive average of 71 in his first six Test innings, Reddy has proven to be a valuable asset for the Indian team.
Despite the overcast conditions, Australian seamers Scott Boland and Pat Cummins were the most productive bowlers, but they were unable to break the partnership between Reddy and Sundar. Sundar’s resilience came to an end when he was caught at slip by Steve Smith off Nathan Lyon’s bowling. The Indian team faced setbacks with the dismissals of Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja in the opening session, but Reddy’s century provided hope for a strong fightback against Australia.
The match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground attracted a record crowd of 83,073 spectators on the third day, highlighting the excitement and enthusiasm for the game. Despite interruptions due to rain, the fans witnessed a gripping contest between India and Australia. The series is currently tied at 1-1, with the final Test to be played in Sydney. With Reddy’s impressive performance and the passionate support from Indian spectators, the team is poised for an exciting finish to the series.
As Reddy’s innings came to an end due to rain, the Indian team will look to build on his strong foundation in the next session. With the first-innings deficit narrowed down, India will aim to put up a competitive total against the formidable Australian bowling attack. The young all-rounder has shown maturity beyond his years in handling the pressure of a high-stakes Test match and will be a key player in India’s quest for victory on Australian soil. With the record attendance at the MCG and the series on a knife’s edge, the stage is set for an exhilarating conclusion to the Test series.
