Nitish Reddy emerged as India hero with a determined century from the No. 8 spot. During his innings Reddy achieved a historic milestone becoming the first Indian to
Nitish Kumar Reddy with the Indian cricket team in a precarious position against Australia on the third day of the fourth Test in Melbourne stepped up as India savior with a determined century from the No. 8 position on Saturday. During his innings Reddy achieved a major milestone in Indian cricket. His tally of eight sixes in the series against Australia made him the first Indian to hit that many in a single series in Australia. He now shares the record for the most sixes by a visiting batter in a series on Australian soil feat previously achieved by Michael Vaughan (2002-03 Ashes) and Chris Gayle (2009-10) both of whom hit eight sixes in a series.
Reddy then went on to complete his maiden Test century in 171 balls. This century marked the first time an Indian No. 8 batter had scored a Test century in Australia. At 21 years and 216 days Nitish Kumar Reddy is now the third youngest Indian to score a maiden Test century in Australia.
Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar vital 105 runs partnership helped India mount a strong fightback against Australia in the ongoing Melbourne Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy on Saturday. At Tea on Day 3 India stood at 326/7 with Sundar (40*) and Reddy (85*) unbeaten trailing by 148 runs.
The duo partnership came at a crucial juncture when Australia had been in control of the match. Starting the second session at 244/7 India added 82 runs in 24 overs without losing a wicket showing great resilience.
Both middle order batters were solid at the crease determined to pile on runs and fight back against the Australian bowlers. Early in the second session Steve Smith dropped a catch off Washington Sundar which came off the edge of his bat towards the slip. Smith will likely regret the missed opportunity.
In the 83rd over Reddy drove the ball through the vacant point region for a four bringing up his maiden Test fifty. This milestone boosted his confidence as he continued to contribute to the scoreboard.
By the 84th over India had avoided the follow on and by the 92nd over they passed the 300 runs mark thanks to the steady partnership between Washington and Nitish.
The two youngsters stood firm at a critical moment helping India stabilize the innings. As conditions worsened with light drizzle in Melbourne the umpires called for an early tea break.
