• Day 3 of the 4th Test between India and Australia at the MCG saw a valiant fightback from India's lower-middle order.

  • Nitish Kumar Reddy scored a brilliant unbeaten maiden Test century.

Twitter reactions: Nitish Kumar Reddy leads India’s fightback against Australia with stellar ton on Day 3 of MCG Test
Nitish Kumar Reddy (Image Source: X)

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Day 3 of the 4th Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground saw a valiant fightback from India’s lower-middle order, led by Nitish Kumar Reddy‘s brilliant unbeaten maiden Test century. After trailing Australia by a significant margin, India displayed resilience against a relentless Australian attack. By stumps, India had reached 358/9, still trailing by 116 runs but with their hopes alive, courtesy of Reddy’s standout performance.

A dismal start for India: Fall of Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant

Resuming Day 3 at a precarious 164/5, India faced a daunting task against a disciplined Australian bowling unit. With Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease, hopes were pinned on the pair to forge a solid partnership. However, Australia’s persistence bore fruit early, with Nathan Lyon trapping Jadeja plumb in front for 17. Pant, despite showing glimpses of aggression, fell soon after for 28, caught at square leg off Scott Boland. At 191/7, India seemed destined for a swift collapse, struggling to cope with the bounce and movement on offer.

Nitish Kumar Reddy’s grit and determination: Maiden test hundred

Amidst the chaos, Nitish Reddy, playing in just his second Test, showcased immense composure under pressure. The 20-year-old batter, combining sound technique with calculated aggression, took charge of India’s innings. He found an able partner in Washington Sundar, and together they stitched a crucial 127-run stand for the eighth wicket. Sundar played the perfect foil, absorbing the pressure and wearing down the bowlers with his dogged defense, scoring a patient 50 off 162 deliveries.

Reddy’s knock was a masterclass in counter-attacking cricket. His stroke play against the spinners, particularly Lyon, was exemplary, as he used his feet to neutralize the turn. Against the pacers, he was equally assured, driving confidently and handling the short-pitched deliveries with poise. His innings of 105* off 176 balls, laced with ten boundaries and one six, brought India back into the contest and frustrated the Australians, who were hoping for a quick end to the innings.

Also READ: AUS vs IND: Fans go wild as Nitish Reddy hits maiden century on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test at MCG

Late drama as Australia maintains control in MCG test

The partnership was eventually broken when Sundar fell to Lyon, caught at slip by Steve Smith, leaving India at 348/8. Jasprit Bumrah followed shortly, unable to offer much resistance. Reddy, however, remained unbeaten, shepherding the tail admirably and ensuring India added vital runs. By the close of play, Mohammed Siraj had survived seven deliveries, supporting Reddy in extending the fight to Day 4.

Australia’s bowlers, led by Scott Boland and Pat Cummins, were relentless throughout the day. Boland’s precise line and length yielded him figures of 3/57, while Cummins’ raw pace accounted for three key wickets. Lyon was instrumental in breaking partnerships, finishing with 2/88. However, the hosts would have been disappointed with the late resistance, which could prove pivotal in this closely contested Test.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Also WATCH: AUS vs IND – Sunil Gavaskar brutally slams Rishabh Pant over his reckless dismissal on Day 3 of the MCG Test

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