Melbourne: In a pivotal moment of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, 21-year-old Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy etched his name in cricket history by scoring his maiden Test century at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This milestone, achieved on the third day of the fourth Test, not only marked a personal triumph for Reddy but also injected new life into India’s bid to counter Australia’s substantial lead.
Reddy’s century came under intense pressure, as he walked in to bat with India trailing by 250 runs and having lost seven wickets at 221. His gritty innings, spanning 171 balls, was a testament to his determination and skill. Despite the challenging situation, Reddy held his ground, forging a crucial partnership with Washington Sundar that added over 127 runs for the eighth wicket. This stand not only helped India avoid the follow-on but also significantly reduced Australia’s lead.
The MCG, known for its electric atmosphere, witnessed a near-capacity crowd of over 80,000 fans applauding as Reddy reached his century with a boundary off Scott Boland. His celebration, marked by a salute to the heavens, reflected the pride and joy of achieving this milestone. Reddy’s performance has been consistent throughout the series, making him the leading run-scorer for India in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Former Indian cricketers, including Wasim Jaffer and Irfan Pathan, praised Reddy’s compact technique, gutsy attitude, and the value he places on his wicket. These attributes have made him a promising figure in Indian Test cricket. As the series stands poised at 1-1, Reddy’s century has given India a glimmer of hope in their pursuit to level the series.
When play was halted due to bad light, India had scored 358 runs for the loss of nine wickets, trailing Australia by 116 runs. Reddy’s unbeaten century has set the stage for an intriguing final two days of the Test, as India aims to capitalize on the momentum he has created.
