Sports News: On the third day of the fourth Test match against Australia in Melbourne, Nitish Kumar Reddy showcased his remarkable talent, rescuing the Indian cricket team with a resilient century from the No. 8 position. His performance not only helped stabilize the innings but also etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket history.
A Record-Breaking Performance
Reddy's innings was nothing short of sensational. He became the first Indian player to hit eight sixes in a single Test series in Australia, matching the record for most sixes by a visiting batter in a series. Previously, this record was held by renowned cricketers Michael Vaughan and Chris Gayle, who achieved this feat during their respective tours.
Nitish Kumar Reddy hits his maiden Test century and receives a standing ovation from the MCG crowd ❤️ #AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/Vbqq5C26gz
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 28, 2024
Completing his maiden Test century in 171 balls, Reddy also made history as the first Indian No. 8 batter to score a century on Australian soil. At just 21 years and 216 days, he became the third youngest Indian to reach this milestone in Australia.
Building Crucial Partnerships
Reddy's impressive performance was complemented by Washington Sundar, with whom he forged a pivotal 105-run partnership. As India fought back against Australia, they reached 326/7 at Tea on Day 3, trailing by 148 runs. Their partnership was crucial at a time when Australia seemed to have control over the match.Starting the second session at 244/7, India added 82 runs without losing a wicket, showcasing resilience and determination. The duo's solid batting provided much-needed stability as they capitalized on scoring opportunities while keeping the Australian bowlers at bay.
Missed Opportunities for Australia
The Australian side faced setbacks during this critical phase; notably, Steve Smith dropped a catch off Washington Sundar's bat that could have shifted momentum back in favor of Australia. This error proved costly as Reddy and Sundar continued to build their innings.Reddy reached his maiden Test fifty in the 83rd over, which bolstered his confidence significantly. By avoiding the follow-on and surpassing the 300-run mark in the 92nd over, India demonstrated their fighting spirit against a formidable opponent.
Weather Conditions Impact Play
As play continued, rain began to affect conditions in Melbourne, leading umpires to call for an early tea break. Despite these challenges, Reddy and Sundar's partnership exemplified India's resilience and determination to turn the tide of the match.
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