BGT 2024-25: Nitish Kumar Reddy saves India with his first international century in Melbourne, bad light stops play

Melbourne (Australia), : Indian batsman Nitish Kumar Reddy hit his maiden international century on the third day of the Boxing Day Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia on Saturday to bring India back into the game in Melbourne.

In the final session of the day, while standing at 99, Nitish Kumar Reddy hit the ball towards the midfielder for a four and celebrated his maiden international century in style.

The atmosphere at the MCG turned emotional as Nitish’s father shed tears of joy while joining hands and thanking God.

When Nitish came into the pavilion after the knock, he was greeted with appreciation by the Australian players and a standing ovation from the Indian camp.

Nitish is unbeaten with 105 runs from 176 balls at a strike rate of 59.66. During his time at the crease on day three of the Melbourne Test, he hit ten fours and one six.

With his tone, the youngster also achieved an elusive feat as he became the third-youngest Indian batsman after Sachin Tendulkar and Rishabh Pant to score his maiden Test century in Australia.

Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar tops the list after hitting his first Test century in 1992 at the age of 18 years and 256 days. Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is ranked second on the list after scoring his first Test century at the age of 21 in 92 days in Sydney in 2019. Meanwhile, Nitish achieved the milestone at the age of 21 years and 216 days.

The visitors started the third and final session on 326/7 with Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy unbeaten at the crease.

Washington and Nitish put in a great and tough performance in the Melbourne Test, cementing a 127-run partnership and rescuing India from a dire situation.

The two lower-middle order batsmen looked solid at the crease, determined to take advantage of the runs on the board and fight back against the Australian bowlers.

Lighting conditions in Melbourne deteriorated as it began to drizzle, forcing referees to call off early on day 3.

At stumps on the third day, India were 358/9 with Nitish and Mohammed Siraj unbeaten at the wicket. The visitors are still 116 runs behind.

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