In an unforgettable moment at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Saturday, December 28, 2024, young Indian cricketer Nitish Kumar Reddy scored his maiden Test century in the fourth test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, becoming the first Indian No. 8 batter to achieve this feat on Australian soil.
Facing a formidable Australian bowling attack, he demonstrated composure, steering India from a precarious 221 for 7 to a fighting 358 for 9 by the end of Day 3.
His knock of 105 not out off 171 balls included 10 boundaries and one towering six, showcasing a blend of patience, technical prowess, and aggressive play when needed.
At just 21 years old, Nitish’s performance was nothing short of spectacular.
The day began with India trailing by 310 runs, but Nitish, alongside Washington Sundar, who scored a gritty 50, put together a monumental 127-run partnership for the eighth wicket. This stand frustrated the Australian bowlers and reduced the deficit to 116 runs, giving India a fighting chance to salvage a draw or even aim for an unlikely victory in the match.
Nitish’s innings was punctuated by dramatic moments, including when he was on 99, with India losing wickets around him. However, with the support of Mohammed Siraj, who managed to survive three deliveries from Pat Cummins at the other end, Nitish reached his century with a classy boundary off Scott Boland.
The significance of this century was highlighted by cricket legends like Sunil Gavaskar, who praised Nitish Reddy’s calm and composed play, terming it ‘one of the greatest’ knocks under pressure.
The emotional scenes that followed included Nitish Kumar Reddy’s father, Mutyala Reddy, in tears, celebrating his son’s achievement from the stands, a moment captured and shared widely by cricket fans and media alike.
This century also set several records. Nitish Kumar Reddy became the third youngest Indian to score a Test hundred in Australia, following in the footsteps of Sachin Tendulkar and Rishabh Pant. Additionally, his tally of eight sixes in the series broke the record for the joint-most by a visiting batter in a Test series in Australia, previously held by Michael Vaughan and Chris Gayle.
The match was further punctuated by weather interruptions, with rain and bad light bringing an early end to play, saving Australia from having to bat on Day 3. This leaves the game in a tantalizing balance with two days to go, where Nitish’s knock could dictate the match’s course.
As India looks forward to the final two days, all eyes will be on how they can capitalize on this resurgence, with Nitish Kumar Reddy’s century possibly being the fulcrum around which this Test match, and perhaps even the series, could turn. His performance has revived India’s hopes and announced the arrival of a promising talent in Indian cricket.
So far in the five-test series, India and Australia have won one match each, and one ended in a tie.