New Delhi: Legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar lavished praise on young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy after scoring maiden Test century in the ongoing fourth Test match between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on Saturday.
As the biggest pick from the Indian contingent in this edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Nitish has played some remarkable cameos throughout the series, in fact, carrying the rescue act for the unpredictable Indian batting order. He went one step ahead on the third day of the fourth Test in front of the ebullient crowd at the MCG.
After India saw their back against the wall with 221 for 7, with 253 runs still behind Australia’s first innings, Nitish rouse to the occasion to play a sublime knock in the entrusted accompany of Washington Sundar. Nitish has been unfazed by the formidable and the very experienced bowling attack of Australia right from the start of the series.
What a moment this for the youngster!
A maiden Test 100 at the MCG, it does not get any better than this 👏👏#TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/KqsScNn5G7
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 28, 2024
The 21-year-old played aggressor during his 127-run partnership with Sundar, which lifted the Indian innings from the doomsday of what could have enforced them to follow-on. Nitish completed his first three-figure score while batting with No.11 batter Mohammed Siraj. He smashed Scott Boland’s full length delivery over mid-on for a boundary to complete the well-deserved century.
“A knock to remember by Nitish. He has impressed me right from the 1st Test and his composure and temperament have been on display right through. Today he took it a notch higher to play a crucial innings in this series,” Tendulkar wrote on his X handle. “Wonderfully and ably supported by @Sundarwashi5 as well. Well played!”
A knock to remember by Nitish. He has impressed me right from the 1st Test and his composure and temperament have been on display right through. Today he took it a notch higher to play a crucial innings in this series. Wonderfully and ably supported by @Sundarwashi5 as well.
Well… pic.twitter.com/XA2asQVphR
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 28, 2024
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s exploits helps India to cut gap
Nitish remained unbeaten on 105 at the stumps on Day 4, pulverising the Australian bowlers with 10 boundaries and a six off Nathan Lyon. India finished the day at 358 for 9, though the 116-run trail still looks a bit murky. The Indian bowlers can dictate with the psychological advantage by putting the Australian batters on backfoot in the second innings.
Nitish Kumar Reddy scored his maiden Test century at the MCG, earning praise from Sachin Tendulkar. His 105 not out, a crucial innings in a challenging situation against Australia, showcased his composure and aggressive batting. The remarkable performance helped India significantly reduce the deficit and setting the stage for a potential comeback. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
