A Historic Milestone in the Boxing Day Test
Nitish Kumar Reddy marked a major milestone in his cricketing career, smashing his maiden Test century during the first innings of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). His remarkable performance on Day 3 of the fourth Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy not only captivated fans but also etched his name in history as the third-youngest Indian to achieve this feat in Australia.
The young batter reached his century with a beautifully timed boundary off Scott Boland in the 115th over, bringing the crowd to its feet. The emotional moment became even more poignant as his father, Mutyala Reddy, watched from the stands. Unable to hold back tears, he celebrated his son’s success with sheer pride.
A Father’s Reflections
Speaking after the day’s play was halted due to bad light, Mutyala Reddy opened up about the journey leading to his son’s achievement.
“This is a day our family will never forget. He has been consistently performing since his teenage years, and now seeing him succeed at the international level is an overwhelming experience,” said Mutyala Reddy.
He also described the tense moments leading up to Nitish’s century, especially as Mohammed Siraj had to hold off Pat Cummins to keep the innings alive.
“I was extremely anxious. With only the last wicket in hand, I was praying Siraj would survive. Thankfully, he did,” the proud father shared.
A Crucial Partnership with Washington Sundar
Nitish’s innings was a lifeline for the Indian team, which had suffered setbacks earlier in the day. His partnership with Washington Sundar played a pivotal role in stabilizing the innings. The duo added 127 runs for the eighth wicket, giving India a fighting chance.
Sundar contributed a gritty 50 off 162 deliveries before being dismissed, leaving Nitish to continue his charge. By the end of play, interrupted by rain, Nitish remained at 105 off 176 balls. India closed the day at 358/9, trailing Australia by 116 runs.
Looking Ahead to Day 4
As Day 4 approaches, India will aim to add as many runs as possible with the final wicket. Meanwhile, Australia will look to wrap up the innings quickly and consolidate their lead.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s maiden Test century has not only given India renewed hope but also highlighted the promise of a young cricketer destined for greatness.
