By: Aditya Ahuja
Indian batter Nitish Kumar Reddy slammed his maiden international century on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia on Saturday, helping India make a miraculous return to the fourth Test.
In the final session of the day, Nitish Kumar Reddy, while standing at 99, blasted the ball towards the mid-on fielder for a four and brought up his maiden international century in style.
The atmosphere at the MCG was charged with emotion as Nitish’s father, overwhelmed with joy, shed tears and raised his hands in gratitude to the heavens.
As Nitish made his way back to the pavilion after his knock, he was greeted with warm appreciation from the Australian players and a standing ovation from the Indian camp.
Nitish remains unbeaten at 105 runs from 176 balls at a strike rate of 59.66. He struck 10 fours and 1 six during his time at the crease.
With his ton, the youngster also achieved an elusive feat as he became the third youngest Indian batter to score a maiden Test century in Australia, after Sachin Tendulkar and Rishabh Pant.
Tendulkar tops the chart, having scored his maiden Test century at the age of 18 years and 256 days in 1992. India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant holds second place, following his maiden Test century at the age of 21 years and 92 days in Sydney in 2019. Meanwhile, Nitish achieved the milestone at the age of 21 years and 216 days.
The visitors started the third and final session at 326/7, with Washington Sundar (40*) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (85*) unbeaten at the crease.
Washington and Nitish displayed immense discipline, forging a 127-run partnership and bailing India out of a gloomy situation on a damp evening.
The light conditions deteriorated in Melbourne as it started drizzling, after which the umpires were forced to call for early stumps on Day 3.
At stumps on Day 3, India stood at 358/9, with Nitish (105*) and Mohammed Siraj (2*) unbeaten at the crease. The visitors still trail by 116 runs.
