Nitish Kumar Reddy Heroic Century Saves India in Thrilling Test Match

In a heart-throbbing display of resilience and skill, Nitish Kumar Reddy engraved his name into the records of Indian cricket as he batted his way to a defiant maiden Test century in the fourth Test match against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Under tremendous pressure, 105* that he managed to score has breathed life into India's innings and given them hope in a match that seems to go nowhere. A Stand That Turned the Tide

India's innings tottered at 221 for 7, when Reddy joined Washington Sundar and crafted an amazing 127-run stand going nearly for 48 overs to blunt the Australian attack in their dominance. It was a fighting knock by Reddy, showing the potential and temperament. In contrast, Sundar went about cautiously but played steadfastly in concert with him.

This was testimony to India's depth and resolve. Reddy did not let the fall of Sundar to Nathan Lyon after a spirited 50 come in the way of his cause. His innings concluded in a thriller of a sequence as, stranded on 99, he looked anxiously as No. 11 Mohammed Siraj fended off a fiery Pat Cummins. Siraj survived and Reddy smashed a magnificent straight drive against Scott Boland to get his first Test century. The crowd thundered with roars of applause.

Drama at Dawn

The day started with the dubious dismissal of Rishabh Pant, inviting severe sharp criticism from experts and also fans. Plying an over-the-top scoop off Scott Boland, Pant had given away his wicket, leaving India in vulnerable circumstances. Soon after this, Ravindra Jadeja fell to Lyon's wily bowling, which went on to trap him LBW. At that moment, the deficit looked absolutely unbridgeable, and follow-on loomed large in the horizon.

Reddy's Genius with the Bat

Amidst the mayhem, Reddy had a message for all - he was going to bat. He went about his innings with panache, exuding some beautiful technique and shot choice. He looked the confidence as he came down to hoick Lyon over cow corner for a towering six. His half-century that he reached with a crushing back-foot drive off Mitchell Starc only confirmed his form to perform under pressure.

As the day progresses, Reddy's innings went to provide the bedrock to the India fightback. In those conditions, he proved apt and played with aggressive defence in equal measure. He was sitting in the stands, and his father's eyes were moistening to think about the milestone that is about to define his career as Reddy approaches this figure.

Sundar Support

Washington Sundar, who was an epitome of supporting a cause in India's historic 2021 Gabba win, was a class act to the core. He could manage just one boundary off his 103 balls, which reflected much of the patience and concentration that Sundar had exhibited. A dropped miscued shot from him off Starc's new ball, which Steven Smith spilled, was a bit of luck, but the overall contribution of Sundar was very valuable.

Answer from Australia

Australia's bowlers had a go at it through the likes of Pat Cummins and Scott Boland. It was Boland with his 3-57, and Cummins at 3-86. Yet, the partnership that developed between Reddy and Sundar seemed too strong to have lasted for a longer time. Even Nathan Lyon couldn't do much when the delivery finally broke the partnership on a day when there wasn't much help forthcoming from the pitch, as it remained true throughout the day.

A Test day for the Bowlers

The workload began to tell on the Australian bowlers, particularly Mitchell Starc, who seemed to be suffering with back spasms midway through an over. He carried on though, holding his pace but leaving for the day wicketless. Mitchell Marsh's medium-paced bowling was used to spread the workload on the frontline bowlers but hardly kept the Indian batsmen concerned.

The Road Ahead

And India ended on a good note, considering that rain and bad light forced an early close as they managed to limit the lead to just 116 runs, considerably less than that feared in the initial hour. Even if Australia leads with a great first innings total of 474 runs, the effort put on by Reddy and Sundar has slowly shifted the gear.

India will look to capitalize on this effort as the match progresses, but Australia remains in the driver's seat. The fourth Test promises more drama as both teams battle for supremacy on a pitch that has yet to show significant signs of wear.

Conclusion

Nitish Kumar Reddy's hundred has given India a lifeline in this fiercely contested match. It is the spirit of Test cricket, with poise, power, and perseverance, that his innings is characterized with. As the series closes, Reddy's heroics are sure to remain etched in his memory as one of the defining moments of his young career.