India's cricket team demonstrated resilience on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test, staging a remarkable fightback against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. With the pressure weighing heavily on them after losing key wickets, the visitors managed to score 326 for the loss of seven, owing to a steadfast partnership between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar.
Following a shaky start, Reddy, who scored 85 not out, and Sundar, who contributed 40 not out, combined their efforts for an impressive 105-run stand. Their performance came at a time when Australia seemed to have the upper hand, having posted 474 runs earlier, largely thanks to Steve Smith's remarkable century.
Despite the calamitous run-out scenario earlier, where confusion between Kohli and Jaiswal led to the latter's dismissal, the Indian team showcased tremendous spirit. Washington Sundar, reflecting on the dressing room atmosphere, insisted, "We looked like we were in a great position … to get big runs ... but we’ll still come back and continue to fight." His confidence echoed throughout the team, invigorated by the efforts of the younger players.
Reddy's innings, marked by mainstream strokes and calculated aggression, showcased his talent and determination to stabilize the innings. He reached his first Test fifty—a milestone indicative of his growing prowess on the international stage—by mimicking the iconic stance and style from the popular Telugu film, Pushpa, much to the delight of fans at the venue.
Reddy's steady approach coupled with Sundar's calm demeanor at the crease allowed India to not only avoid the follow-on but also shift the momentum back to their favor. The duo was able to frustrate the Australian bowlers, who previously felt invincible with their initial breakthroughs.
Scott Boland led the Australian bowling attack with three wickets, managing to dismiss Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja earlier on Day 3. Despite their earlier dominion, Australia's bowlers struggled to crack the order presented by Reddy and Sundar. Boland commented after the innings, acknowledging, "There’s still something going on. You’ve just got to keep hitting good areas and be consistent."
After reaching the 300-run mark, the Indian pair continued to build pressure on the Australians, who were hoping to secure their second win of the series and take the lead going to Sydney. With conditions becoming increasingly difficult due to bad light and drizzle, play was halted early, but the spirit displayed by Reddy and Sundar had restarted conversations about India's fightback.
Before tea, the Indian innings was characterized by steady accumulation of runs without the loss of important wickets, leaving Reddy just 15 runs shy of his maiden Test century. "It was sneakily enjoyable batted well, and if I can maintain consistency, then the personal milestones will follow," he shared.
The match continues to evolve as Australia seeks to capitalize on its earlier advantages, with Smith humorously considering his position among younger players: "If that's the future, maybe it's time for me to finish." Balancing jest with seriousness, he assessed his condition as ripe for continuing to chase stellar performances even as his contemporaries pushed boundaries.
With the forecast predicting sporadic showers but promising cricket with both teams holding onto their strategies, the battle at the MCG is intensifying. India faces mounting pressure but also increased motivation as they look forward to consolidatory efforts to build their score and maintain competitive tension as they head to the final days of this pivotal Test.
