Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Nitish Kumar Reddy Hits Maiden Century as India Stages a Strong Comeback in Melbourne
Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Nitish Kumar Reddy Hits Maiden Century as India Stages a Strong Comeback in Melbourne
At a score of 221-7, India faced a significant risk of follow-on; however, the seam-bowling all-rounder formed a remarkable 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar.
Nitish Kumar Reddy, coming in at No. 8, achieved his first international century at a crucial moment, providing India with a competitive opportunity in the Boxing Day Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia on Saturday.
He received strong support from No. 9 batsman Washington Sundar, who also contributed with a half-century. In the day’s final session, Nitish Kumar Reddy, on the verge of his century at 99, struck the ball towards the mid-on fielder for a boundary, achieving his first international century in an impressive manner.
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Absolute stuff of dreams ❤️
— 𝘿 (@DilipVK18) December 28, 2024
His father is in tears 🥹❤️
Nitish Kumar Reddy what a sensational knock
pic.twitter.com/WxYZRpwVmt
Nitish remains not out at 105 runs from 176 deliveries, achieving a strike rate of 59.66. He struck 10 boundaries and 1 six during his innings on Day Three of the Melbourne Test. Washington Sundar contributed with a score of 50 off 162 balls. According to official broadcasters, this marks the first instance in the 147-year history of Test cricket where both the No. 8 and No. 9 batsmen have faced over 150 balls each in a single innings.
Nitish accomplished a remarkable milestone by becoming the third youngest Indian batsman to score his first Test century in Australia, following in the footsteps of Sachin Tendulkar and Rishabh Pant.
Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar leads the rankings after scoring his first Test century at the age of 18 years and 256 days in 1992.
In second place is India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who recorded his maiden Test century at 21 years and 92 days in Sydney in 2019.
Nitish reached this milestone at the age of 21 years and 216 days.
Washington and Nitish delivered an impressive and resilient performance during the Melbourne Test, establishing a crucial partnership of 127 runs that rescued India from a challenging position.
The two lower middle-order batsmen appeared steadfast at the crease, showing a strong resolve to accumulate runs and mount a comeback against the Australian bowlers.
