India found a beacon of hope in Nitish Kumar Reddy on the third day of the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Reddy’s maiden Test century, an innings of remarkable poise and grit, has shifted the narrative from a series dominated by discussions about fading veterans to the emergence of a promising young talent. His efforts, alongside a vital partnership with Washington Sundar, have given India a fighting chance in a match where defeat once seemed inevitable.
Reddy walked to the crease with India precariously placed at six wickets down, trailing Australia’s formidable first-innings total of 474 by 283 runs. From the outset, his approach was calm yet purposeful. Displaying a maturity beyond his 21 years, Reddy worked the ball into gaps, ran hard between the wickets, and showed no inclination to succumb to the pressure. His initial half-century featured only a few boundaries, with his focus on building an innings rather than chasing quick runs.
The young batter’s handling of Australia’s pace attack was particularly commendable. Pat Cummins tested him with sharp bouncers and probing deliveries, while Scott Boland maintained relentless accuracy. Reddy weathered these challenges with a mix of resilience and technical skill, showcasing his ability to adapt to the highest level of cricket. He also displayed flair against spin, using dynamic footwork to keep Nathan Lyon at bay, including a memorable six down the ground.
Reddy’s partnership with Sundar, who contributed a composed 50, was crucial. Together, they added 127 runs for the seventh wicket, taking India closer to avoiding the follow-on. Sundar’s dismissal at a critical juncture, with Reddy stranded on 97, brought new tension to the match. With only the tail for company, Reddy had to balance protecting his partners with his own pursuit of a century.
A moment of panic arose when Jasprit Bumrah, unaware of the plan to retain Reddy on strike, attempted an unnecessary second run, exposing himself to Cummins. The Australian skipper quickly dismissed Bumrah, leaving Reddy to bat with the last man, Mohammed Siraj. The young batter, however, remained unfazed. Amid the tension, he struck a straight boundary to bring up his hundred, earning widespread applause from the packed MCG crowd.
Reddy’s innings was a testament to his temperament and skill. It was not just a personal milestone but a potential turning point for India in the match. Resuming on 105 on the fourth morning, Reddy and Siraj will aim to narrow the deficit further, keeping India’s faint hopes alive.
The rise of a young star like Reddy brings excitement to the cricketing world. While the future of his career remains uncertain, his performance in Melbourne has already etched his name into the annals of memorable Test innings. His ability to deliver under immense pressure has marked him as a player to watch, offering a glimpse of what may lie ahead for Indian cricket.
