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In a match that had all the elements of cricketing drama, Nitish Kumar Reddy, the young Indian all-rounder, carved his name into Test cricket history by scoring his maiden hundred on the third day of the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). With the score at 221/7 when he walked in, Reddy’s innings under pressure not only steadied the ship but also brought India back into the game, avoiding the follow-on and reducing the deficit significantly.
A masterclass in Test batting
Reddy’s knock was a masterclass in Test match batting, scoring 103 runs off 172 balls, adorned with 10 fours and a six. His innings was characterized by a blend of defensive solidity and attacking flair, especially against the likes of Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon on a pitch that had offered little to the bowlers. The century was not just a personal milestone for Reddy but a♛lso a crucial moment for India, who, at one point, seemed to be on th🍬e brink of capitulation.
Crowd erupts to celebrate the moment
The moment Reddy reached his century was met with a standing ovation from the fans ꦰat the MCG, both Indian and Australian, appreciating the sheer determination and skill on display. His father, visibly emotional, was seen in the stands, a testament to the personal significance of this achievement.
Also WATCH: AUS vs IND – Sunil Gavaskar brutally slams Rishabh Pant over his reckless dismissal on Day 3 of the MCG Test
India’s fightback on Day 3
India started the day needing to claw back into the game after Australia posted a formidable 474 in their first innings. The morning session saw the fall of Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja, leaving Ind𝄹ia in a precarious position. However, the partnership between Reddy and Washington Sundar was pivotal. They added a crucial 127 runs for the eighth wicket, with Sundar contributing 50 before falling to Lyon.
Here is how fans reacted:
A special player.. A special knock.. he is here to take on the world.. Ni✨tish reddy you are amazing and a true match winner .. wish you an extraordinary career aജcross formats winning matches for the nation.
— ATR (@RayuduAmbati)
Nitish Kumar Reddy what a wonderful 💦💯, this guy is a lock fo♏r India’s future.
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket)
Hahඣaha what a bad arse shot to bring up his 100. Well fought by Nitish Reddy. His dad in tears has us in tears⛄. 😭👏🏼
— Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB)
Nitish needs the DSP to protect him 😉
— DK (@DineshKarthik)
What men dream
— Sagar (@sagarcasm)
Debut Ton for the history books! 👑
📸 :— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL)
Amazing scenes with Reddy brining up his maiden 💯 What a fightin💧g knock!! You can’t help♍ but applaud 👏🏽
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93)
That’s a test century of high quality and techn☂ical skill from 21 yr old Nitish Kumar Reddy. Left the ball expertly, & attacked when needed. Another deeply moving story of parental sacrifice in Indi🉐an cricket.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi)
Nitish Reddy celebrated h🌄is maiden𓆉 Test century in a typical Telugu movie style!
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman)
♕Superb century! One of the best I’ve seen given the quality of his batsmanship in defence and attack, snd his remarkable temperament under acute pressure. Take a bow
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah)
NKR!!!
— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani)
The feeling of maiden Test century foℱr Nitish Kumar 🎉Reddy 😍
— betvisa69.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
A MagnifiCENTURY by NKR, the Superstar! 🌟
Iconic ꦐvenue ➡️ high stakes ➡️ team in need: Nitish Reddy steps up and smashes his maiden international century! 🌟
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets)
Take a bow Nitish. Magnificent 💯 walking in at a tough situation. Sincerely hope people will at least now won’t doub෴t his ability at this level anymore.
— Prasanna (@prasannalara)
Happy with that 🇮🇳
Nitish Kumar Reddy brings up his m𒉰aiden Test centu🅠ry!
— Melbourne Cricket Ground (@MCG)
On public demand This is for Nitish Kumar redꦏdy. Well played youngster 👏 so proud of you 💯
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan)
One of the best centuries under pressure.
Nitish Kumar Reddy🔥— Krishna (@Atheist_Krishna)
What a player Nitish Kumar Reddy 💪
Well deserved century— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1)
A star is born! Take a bow Nitish Kumar Reddy, what a 100 in a tough situation, so composed and well organised in defence and attack . His partnership with Washington Sundar just what India needed. Great day to𓆉 be an Indian at the B💖oxing Day test: dholaks, India India chants,…
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep)
What a moment for Nitish 💎Kumar Reddy ❤️🫶🕉️! Congratulations bro꧑ther for maiden century in Aus
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina)