A Knock for the Ages Amid Challenges
Melbourne: At the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test, 21-year-old Nitish Kumar Reddy etched his name in the history books with an innings of incredible resilience and determination. His maiden Test century, supported by a vital 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar (50), helped India fight back against Australia and end the day at 358/9, still trailing by 116 runs.
Reddy’s innings was a masterclass in composure. After narrowly missing the strike while on 99 at the end of the 113th over, the young batter watched in dismay as Jasprit Bumrah fell early in the next over. Left to bat with the last man, Mohammed Siraj, Reddy faced mounting pressure but held his nerve. Siraj survived the testing deliveries from Pat Cummins, and in the following over, Reddy reached his century with a boundary off Scott Boland. The crowd erupted in celebration, and Reddy’s father, Mutalya, watching from the stands, was overcome with emotion.
Turning the Tide with a Partnership of Resilience
Australia entered the day expecting to seize control, but Reddy and Sundar had other plans. Sundar, 25, played a defensive role, soaking up 162 deliveries for his half-century, while Reddy balanced aggression and caution to keep the scoreboard ticking. The duo’s contrasting styles were instrumental in India clawing their way back into the contest.
Reflecting on the day’s play, Sundar said, “One thing instilled in us by Rohit bhai, Gauti bhai (coach Gambhir), and the support staff is to fight, no matter the situation. Playing for India, especially in a Boxing Day Test at the MCG, requires grit. We showed that today.”
Navigating Tough Phases
Australia’s bowlers kept the Indian batters under constant pressure, with Boland later admitting that the pitch offered enough assistance to keep the batters wary. Yet, Reddy and Sundar remained undeterred, adjusting their approach as needed.
Reddy’s innings stood out for its maturity. He found the right moments to attack, ensuring the scoreboard kept moving, but never played recklessly. His calculated risks and mental toughness belied his age, earning praise from Sundar, who said, “Mentally, he’s incredibly strong. He knew when to pick boundaries and when to dig in. It was an unbelievable 100—one that will be remembered for years to come.”
The Path Ahead
As the third day drew to a close, Reddy remained unbeaten on 105 off 176 balls, featuring 10 fours and a six. His knock has provided India with a fighting chance, but the team will need to build on this foundation in the remaining two days. The grit and determination shown by Reddy and Sundar have set the tone, and it’s now up to the rest of the side to match their intensity and ensure the effort isn’t in vain.
This innings, played under the weight of expectations and intense pressure, will be remembered as one of the finest Boxing Day Test performances in recent history.
