India’s hopes of salvaging the fourth Test against Australia were reignited by a stunning performance from 21-year-old all-rounder Nitish Reddy, who became the first Indian to score a century in Australia while batting at No. 8. On Saturday, December 28, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Reddy etched his name into the history books with a classy maiden Test century in front of a raucous crowd of nearly 80,000 fans.
Reddy’s moment of glory came in the final session of Day 3 when he smashed a boundary off Scott Boland to bring up his hundred. The young cricketer celebrated by taking off his helmet, placing it atop his bat handle, and saluting the skies—a gesture that brought the crowd, including his proud father, to their feet. The innings was a mix of grit, resilience, and flair, embodying the spirit of a determined fightback.
A Remarkable Journey to Silence Critics
Nitish Reddy’s selection for the Australian tour had raised eyebrows, with many questioning his place in the playing XI, especially as the lone seam-bowling all-rounder. While his bowling contributions were steady, he wasn’t providing breakthroughs expected of a fourth seamer. The criticism grew louder when Shubman Gill was benched to accommodate Reddy in the Boxing Day Test, a decision made to pair him with Washington Sundar in the lower order.
However, Reddy silenced his critics with his performance. He showed immense composure and confidence, particularly under pressure, and justified the trust placed in him by head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management. His innings on Day 3, coupled with a vital partnership with Sundar, turned the tide for India, helping them avoid the follow-on and giving them a fighting chance in the match.
Breaking Records and Making History
Reddy’s knock was one for the ages. He surpassed Anil Kumble’s 87, previously the highest score by an Indian batting at No. 8 or lower in Australia. Additionally, Reddy became the third-youngest Indian to score a Test century in Australia, after legends Sachin Tendulkar and Rishabh Pant.
Youngest Indians to Score a Test Century in Australia:
- Sachin Tendulkar – 18 years, 256 days (Sydney, 1992)
- Rishabh Pant – 21 years, 92 days (Sydney, 2019)
- Nitish Reddy – 21 years, 216 days (Melbourne, 2024)
Highest Scores by Indians Batting at No. 8 or Below in Australia:
- 88 Nitish Reddy* – Melbourne, 2024
- 87 Anil Kumble – Adelaide, 2008
- 81 Ravindra Jadeja – Sydney, 2019
A Partnership to Remember
Reddy, alongside Washington Sundar, orchestrated a brilliant lower-order fightback, taking India from a precarious 221/7 to a competitive total of over 350. Their partnership showcased Reddy’s ability to play both the patient game and aggressive strokes when needed. According to Cricviz data, Reddy has the lowest percentage of false shots among all batters in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, a testament to his technical prowess and maturity.
A Bright Future Ahead
Nitish Reddy’s maiden century at the MCG was not just a personal milestone but a statement of intent. It proved his mettle on one of cricket’s grandest stages and underscored his potential as a key player for India in the years to come. His innings, built on class, courage, and character, is sure to be remembered as one of the highlights of India’s campaign in Australia.
