Nitish Kumar Reddy scored a defiant maiden century on Saturday as he fought to get India back into the fourth Test against Australia.

To the roar of a large contingent of Indian supporters at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, seam-bowling all-rounder Reddy reached three figures in the final session on day three. The 21-year-old all-rounder was on 103 not out, with India 354-9 in response to Australia's 474.

In fact, his outstanding performance served as a perfect response to MSK Prasad, the former chief selector, who had questioned his role in the team and called him a "confusion" on Wednesday. The fans also rallied behind the young player and criticized Prasad's remark. 

"Nitish Kumar Reddy is creating confusion in Team India. He is neither a complete batter nor a reliable bowler who can change the course of the game. The team would benefit from a specialist player in his place," Prasad said. 

However, after Nitish came to India's rescue on Day 3 of the Fourth Test on Saturday, Prasad took a U-Turn on his standing, saying, "We groomed him systematically. He scored 1200 runs in a season and 400 runs in one innings in U-16 cricket...Nitish then worked on his bowling and he now contributes as an all-rounder. He has been magnificent for India against Australia and will improve further."

Meanwhile, Reddy took 172 balls to reach the milestone, hitting 10 fours and one six.

He lifted Scott Boland over mid-on for four to bring up three figures, having earlier flashed a cover drive off Mitchell Starc to the boundary to reach 50 for the first time.

A 127-run stand with Washington Sundar fell three runs short of surpassing the record for India's highest eighth-wicket partnership on Australian soil.

Reddy was the aggressor as he continued the fine batting form that marked his debut series.

In his first six Test innings, he has scored 282 runs at an average of just over 70.