Melbourne: In a remarkable display of grit and determination, Nitish Kumar Reddy, playing only his fourth Test match, etched his name in history with a sensational hundred at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). His fearless approach, coupled with an array of boundary-laden strokes, has not only revived India’s innings but also brought the team back into contention on Day 3 of the fourth Test against Australia.

Reddy’s stellar knock, supported by Washington Sundar’s composed half-century, has given Indian fans a glimmer of hope. The young pair, both eager to prove their mettle on the big stage, shouldered the immense responsibility of rescuing India from a precarious position. Their partnership has not only ensured that India avoided the follow-on but also frustrated the dominant Australian attack.

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Nitish lights up MCG with classy maiden international ton, finds perfect ally in Sundar

By the end of the session, Reddy’s extraordinary effort propelled him to an exclusive milestone. With a well-placed single, he broke the record for the highest score by an Indian batter at the No. 8 position in Australia. Surpassing the legendary Anil Kumble’s 87 at Adelaide in 2008, Reddy’s unbeaten 105* stands as a testament to his resolve and skill under pressure.

Here’s the updated list of the highest scores by Indian batters at No. 8 in Australia:

  1. 105 Nitish Kumar Reddy* – Melbourne, 2024

  2. 87 Anil Kumble – Adelaide, 2008

  3. 81 Ravindra Jadeja – Sydney, 2019

  4. 67 Kiran More* – Melbourne, 1991

  5. 67 Shardul Thakur – Brisbane, 2021

Washington Sundar, on the other hand, has been equally steadfast. Recalled to the squad primarily for his off-spin, the 25-year-old has shown immense maturity with the bat, inching closer to a half-century. His determination was evident as he survived a heart-stopping moment when a leg-side flick off Mitchell Starc’s delivery ricocheted off the back of his bat, only to be dropped by a diving Steve Smith in the slips.

With just four wickets remaining, India’s primary goal is now to narrow the deficit to less than 100 runs in the first innings. While surpassing Australia’s imposing total remains a tall order, the heroics of Reddy and Sundar have injected much-needed energy into India’s campaign.

As the day unfolds, all eyes will be on these young stars, whose partnership could very well define the course of the match. For now, the MCG witnesses a thrilling battle of resilience and ambition—a spectacle that cricket fans around the world will cherish.