India displayed remarkable resilience on Saturday during the fourth Test against Australia, as Nitish Kumar Reddy’s maiden century contributed significantly to the team’s resurgence. By the end of the third day, India had reached 358-9, having reduced their first-innings deficit to 116 runs against Australia’s 474. This comeback followed some shaky batting performances from the Indian side earlier on, making Reddy’s innings particularly invaluable.
Reddy, the rising star of Indian cricket, exhibited composure and expertise during his innings, scoring 105 not out when rain interrupted play on the day. His ability to withstand pressure and counter the Australian bowlers was underscored by his impressive 176-ball effort, which included 10 boundaries and one six. According to AFP, Reddy was applauded off the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), which attracted 83,073 spectators, setting a record for attendance on the third day of this Boxing Day Test, the largest since 1937.
The 21-year-old’s innings was characterized by intelligent shot selection and solid defense, allowing him to build momentum and confidence. He formed a beneficial partnership with Washington Sundar, who chipped in with 50 runs. Together, they forged a remarkable eighth-wicket stand of 127 runs, which was pivotal as India leaned on their contributions to claw back from precarious situations throughout the innings. Reddy’s lofted shot over mid-on off Scott Boland to reach his century was met with jubilation from the crowd just before the rain halted play.
Facing Australia’s potent bowling attack, Reddy navigated through tough spells, particularly from Pat Cummins and Boland, who were the pick of the bowlers, each grabbing three wickets. Cummins and Reddy engaged in several intense battles, with the Australian captain often testing Reddy with bouncers and nip-backers. Reddy’s adeptness at countering Cummins' cerebral approach filled spectators with admiration as he displayed his compact batting style, punctuated with aggressive boundaries when the opportunity arose.
Reddy’s innings stands as testimony to his temperament, particularly during the tough phases of the game where he had to resist the Australian bowlers’ pressure. His calculated footwork allowed him to respond effectively, often pushing back against deliveries and capitalizing when bowlers misfired. It was this kind of measured aggression mixed with solid technique and thoughts of counterattacking encroachments by the bowlers, which made his hundred even more commendable.
The situation threatened to derail India’s innings earlier when they lost significant wickets, including Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja. Pant, who scored 28, was dismissed after attempting to play a ramp shot off Boland, leading to the ball being caught by Nathan Lyon. Jadeja, on the other hand, fell victim to Lyon’s sharp spin, leaving India vulnerable at 164-5 at one point. Despite these setbacks, Reddy’s determination to stabilize the innings was key.
For Sundar, his innings was marked by resilience and intelligence, surviving some close calls, including what could have been caught by Smith on the slip cordon from Starc’s delivery. According to reports, Sundar managed to find gaps and build partnerships, showcasing his skill as both a batsman and as a support player during Reddy's innings.
The crowd’s electric atmosphere amplified the stakes for both India and Australia, with the majority of attendees being Indian supporters, contributing to the sense of home advantage. The MCG crowd not only cheered for Reddy and Sundar as they dominated the Australian bowlers at times, but also created pressure on the Australian team to perform under circumstances they usually excel. Crowd attendance records were likely to be broken as the series progresses, following the impressive turnout over the first three days of this Test.
With the series currently tied at 1-1, the stakes remain high heading to the final Test set to take place next week at Sydney. Reddy’s performance stands not just as a personal achievement, earning acclaim for his efforts, but also signals hope and determination for India as they continue to compete against a formidable Australian team. With Reddy and other key players gaining confidence, the stage is set for thrilling cricket as both teams aim for series supremacy.
Reddy’s century was not just about runs; it was about building momentum and ensuring India’s position as strong contenders, seeking to shift the balance of the contest. The drama of the Test match is unmatched, and it will only heighten as fans eagerly await what is next for this gripping series down under.
