Published Dec 28, 2024, 11:54 am IST
Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has continued his shining moment in his first Test series, as the no.8 batter once again saved the Indian team in the Melbourne Test with his maiden Test century. It was a thrilling moment when Reddy completed his maiden Test century with a four.
In the crucial Melbourne Test, when the 21-year-old Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy came to bat no.8, India were struggling at 191/6. Later, Ravindra Jadeja also lost his wicket as the visitors were in trouble at 221/7. India were still 54 runs away from avoiding the follow-on, as the hosts Australia scored 474 runs in the first innings. However, Reddy and Washington Sundar built up India's hope with an incredible century partnership for the eighth wicket.
Reddy and Sundar had an outstanding 127-run partnership for the eighth wicket. While Reddy completed his first Test 50 in 81 balls and was strongly approaching the three-figure mark, Sundar was patiently batting on the other end to support Reddy.
When Reddy was at 97 runs, Sundar (50) was dismissed by the Aussie off-spinner Nathan Lyon, and India were at 348/8. The little drama started from that, and Jasprit Bumrah's dismissal against the Aussie captain Pat Cummins made the situation more thrilling as Mohammed Siraj had to support Reddy, who was on 99 runs. Siraj successfully faced the crucial three deliveries of Cummins, and his wicket was unharmed.
Scott Boland delivered the next over, and Reddy calmly chose the ball for his maiden Test century. The right-handed batter completed his century in 171 balls with the help of 10 fours and one six. While Reddy celebrated his maiden Test half-century in "Pushpa" style, his maiden Test century experienced the "Bahubali" style. He is the right man to celebrate in these ways.
NITISH KUMAR REDDY CENTURY CELEBRATION.
— Pratham ๐ฎ๐ณ (@Pratham_Tweetz) December 28, 2024
His Father is really Happy and in Tears ๐ฅบ๐ฅบ๐ฅบ
Well played Boy ๐๐ฅ pic.twitter.com/enM609mPqN
Soon after Reddy's century, the rain disturbed the game once again, which was previously done in the late second session of the third day to call the tea break earlier. While Reddy scored 105 not out off 176 balls, India scored 358/9 and were trailing by 116 runs.
Reddy became the sixth Indian batter to record an away Test century at the no.8 or lower batting position.
No.8 or lower Indian batters scoring centuries outside India
Player |
Runs scored |
Batting position |
Opposition |
Venue |
Year |
Kapil Dev |
110 |
8 |
England |
The Oval |
1990 |
Ajay Ratra |
115* |
8 |
West Indies |
St John’s |
2002 |
Ajit Agarkar |
109* |
8 |
England |
Lord’s |
2002 |
Anil Kumble |
110* |
8 |
England |
The Oval |
2007 |
Hardik Pandya |
108 |
8 |
Sri Lanka |
Pallekele |
2017 |
Nitish Kumar Reddy |
105* |
8 |
Australia |
Melbourne |
2024 |
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