फायर नहीं वाइल्डफायर है! 🔥🔥
Melbourne: The Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground witnessed a historic moment on Day 3 as young Indian batter Nitish Kumar Reddy scripted his maiden Test century. Nitish, donning Cap No. 315, delivered a resilient performance under immense pressure, becoming the third youngest Indian to score a century on Australian soil.
After Australia piled up a daunting total of 474 in their first innings, India faltered early, struggling to keep up with the follow-on mark. However, Nitish Kumar Reddy, at the age of 21 years and 216 days, stood tall with a gritty knock of 103 off 173 balls, laced with 10 boundaries and a six. His partnership with all-rounder Washington Sundar proved vital in narrowing the deficit.
Nitish’s century not only saved India from embarrassment but also etched his name into the record books. He now holds the highest score by an Indian No. 8 batter in Tests played in Australia, surpassing Anil Kumble’s 87 at Adelaide in 2008.
Key Milestones Achieved by Nitish Kumar Reddy:
- Youngest Indian to Score a Boxing Day Test Century:
- Nitish achieved this feat at 21 years and 216 days, surpassing many legends.
- Highest Score by an Indian No. 8 Batter in Australia:
- Nitish Reddy: 105* (Melbourne, 2024)
- Anil Kumble: 87 (Adelaide, 2008)
- Third Youngest Indian to Score a Century in Australia:
- Sachin Tendulkar: 18 years, 253 days (Sydney, 1992)
- Rishabh Pant: 21 years, 92 days (Sydney, 2019)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy: 21 years, 216 days (Melbourne, 2024)
The innings also featured an emotional moment when Nitish’s father, present in the stands, stood up with teary eyes and cheered his son’s milestone.
The day concluded early due to poor lighting, with India still trailing by 116 runs at 358/9. Despite the challenges, Nitish’s heroics have kept India alive in the game, providing hope for a spirited comeback on Day 4.
Scorecard – Day 3:
Australia 1st Innings: 474
India 1st Innings: 358/9 (116 overs)
Day 3 Stumps: India trail by 116 runs
