Nitish Reddy has been one of the youngsters to watch out for India. Now, he has proven his worth by scoring a Test hundred in adverse conditions in Australia.
He completed his maiden Test ton to knock down the deficit and helped India avoid the follow-on on Day 3. The pair of Washington Sundar and Nitish Reddy started to stitch a partnership for India in the afternoon session when the team was in dire need of it after being 221 for 7. It was the time when Australia was smelling blood and was going for the kill. But both batsmen held their end and scored some crucial runs for the team. Both players took team India to 348 in the final period when Lyon dismissed Washington.
After that, India lost Jasprit Bumrah quickly. In that period, it looked like Nitish would not be able to reach the century milestone. However, Siraj held on from the other end to allow the young gun from India to lift his bat in celebration after scoring a hundred.
Throughout the innings, Nitish was in control and playing his shots. The only moments of hesitation came while he was in the late 90s. This inning from Nitish diluted the advantage of Aussies in the game.
He came to the middle when Rishabh Pant fell trying to be himself despite the situation not allowing for such shots. He attempted to lap-shot Scott Boland, but it didn’t come off and he ended up edging to Nathon Lyon at third man.
Ravindra Jadeja also showed restraint in playing his shot during his 51-ball inning to make 17 runs. However, Lyon trapped Jadeja’s leg before for 17.
After that, Nitish and Washington took charge and stitched together the second-highest partnership for the 8th wicket or lower for India in Australia. It took a bit of effort for him to get to his hundred in this match.
In the end, India finished the day with 358/9, trailing by only 116 runs. Let’s see how India fares tomorrow.