Nitish Kumar Reddy’s 114 has breathed new life into India’s innings at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. At just 21, the young all-rounder walked in under immense pressure, with India struggling at 196 for six. His composed knock, combining grit and flair, steadied the ship and gave the visitors a fighting chance in their reply to Australia’s towering 474.
The day had begun with promise but quickly turned precarious for India. Yashasvi Jaiswal anchored the top order with a fluent 82 before a mix-up led to his run-out. Virat Kohli followed soon after, dismissed for 36, leaving India teetering at 164 for five. Enter Reddy, who paired with Washington Sundar for a vital 127-run partnership, steering India past the threat of a follow-on.
Reddy’s innings, blending measured defence and crisp stroke play, earned admiration from legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar. Gavaskar lauded the youngster’s composure under pressure, while Tendulkar noted Reddy’s promise as early as the series opener. His century, achieved with a confident boundary, made him the first Indian to score a Test hundred at number eight against Australia on their soil.
The crowd of 83,000 erupted in applause as Reddy reached his milestone, with his father visibly emotional in the stands. Yet the innings wasn’t without its tense moments. Sundar’s departure for 50 and Jasprit Bumrah’s quick dismissal left Reddy with only Mohammed Siraj for support. Together, they managed to hold on, with Reddy unbeaten at stumps.
Meanwhile, Scott Boland’s disciplined bowling kept the Indian batsmen honest. His lone wicket came from Rishabh Pant’s ill-fated scoop attempt, a high-risk shot that fell straight into Nathan Lyon’s hands. Boland’s tight spells created opportunities, but India’s lower order proved resilient.
Pant’s dismissal sparked criticism from Sunil Gavaskar, who labelled the shot “stupid” during commentary. Gavaskar’s remarks reignited debates about Pant’s aggressive style, balancing natural flair with match awareness. It’s a recurring theme in the wicketkeeper’s career, and one that continues to divide opinion.
As the fourth day dawns, India trails by 116 runs with just one wicket in hand. Clear skies promise uninterrupted play, and Australia will look to build on their position while India hopes for a spark of magic to stay in contention. Reddy’s heroics have kept the contest alive, and the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in this gripping series.
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