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Nitish Reddy scores his first Test century, strengthening India's position at the MCG
Nitish Reddy scores his first Test century, strengthening India's position at the MCG
Reddy shared a 127-run stand with Washington Sundar as India fought back after being 221 for 7
Nitish Reddy scored his first-ever Test century, while Washington Sundar notched up his fourth Test fifty, helping India fight back on Day 3 at the MCG. The duo rescued India from a dangerous 221 for 7 in the afternoon, stretching the innings to 348 before Lyon dismissed Sundar. Jasprit Bumrah fell soon after, raising fears that Nitish might be left stranded in the 90s. But Mohammed Siraj held his ground, giving the 21-year-old the chance to reach his milestone.
Nitish looked calm and in control for most of his innings, but there were a few tense moments when he went towards the 100 mark. His knock frustrated the Australians and shifted some momentum back to India. Nitish came to the crease in the morning after a chaotic first half hour, during which Rishabh Pant fell playing an audacious lap shot. Pant top-edged a delivery from Scott Boland to Nathan Lyon at third man, falling to the ground in disappointment.
Ravindra Jadeja had been holding things together with a cautious 51-ball stay, but Lyon got the better of him by varying his pace. A quicker delivery pinned Jadeja in front for 17.
Nitish and Sundar then took charge, proving why the selectors had placed faith in them. Nitish had already crossed 40 three times in the series, and this time, he looked determined to make it count. Sundar also stood tall, drawing on his experience from the famous Gabba win in 2021. He survived a close call when Steve Smith dropped a sharp chance at slip.
Nitish’s innings was fluent but calculated. He learned from past mistakes, avoiding risky shots like the ramp against Cummins, which had cost him in Adelaide. Even when a short ball struck his glove, he stayed disciplined. He played with confidence, driving the fast bowlers and stepping out to Lyon. The only flashy moment came when he tried a reverse sweep off Boland, but otherwise, his approach was measured.
As the final session unfolded, Nitish continued calmly while his father, watching nervously from the stands, whispered prayers. He had to dig deep when Lyon dismissed Sundar and Cummins removed Bumrah. Nitish spent 18 balls in the 90s before finally driving Boland down the ground for four, bringing up his century.
Shortly after his landmark, bad light halted play. Rain followed, preventing further action. India ended the day at 358 for 9, trailing Australia by 116 runs.
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