On a rain-interrupted Day 3, India fought back resolutely, trailing Australia by 116 runs at stumps, with the score standing at 358/9 after 116 overs.Nitish Kumar Reddy, the 21-year-old debutant, made a memorable mark, scoring a magnificent 105 not out to guide India through a difficult situation.
Australia's first innings concluded at 474, setting a daunting target for India. In response, India’s top-order struggled early, but Reddy’s grit kept the team afloat. After Rishabh Pant’s early departure and Ravindra Jadeja’s failed efforts, India was struggling at 191/7. However, Reddy’s entry at a tense juncture steadied the ship.
Reddy showed remarkable composure, combining defence with attacking strokes to reach his maiden Test century. His 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar (50) was a key turning point. The Aussie bowlers, led by Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland, consistently attacked, but Reddy and Sundar countered with resilience. Sundar’s fifty (50 off 162 balls) also provided significant support, cementing their position in the game.
As Reddy reached his century with a stunning boundary off Boland, his father Mutyala Reddy was seen visibly emotional in the stands, witnessing his son’s landmark achievement. Reddy’s knock, marked by calm maturity, secured his place in history as the third youngest Indian to score a Test century in Australia.
The day was not without drama. Just as Reddy neared his milestone, Jasprit Bumrah fell for a duck, caught by Usman Khawaja off Pat Cummins. Reddy, on 99, nearly faced the heartbreak of being left stranded, but Siraj’s survival at the other end allowed him to bring up his hundred in style.
With play halted due to rain and bad light, the match saw another disruption. The umpires had no choice but to take players off the field, and with conditions worsening, India were relieved to call it a day with Reddy unbeaten at the crease.
The weather is expected to clear, and play will start half an hour early tomorrow at 10:00 AM local time to make up for lost overs. India will look to extend their fight tomorrow, with Reddy in prime position to lead the charge as they try to reduce the deficit further.India’s fightback has been nothing short of impressive, with Reddy’s performance providing a much-needed morale boost. The match remains evenly poised, with everything to play for as India trails by 116 runs. All three results are still possible, and the series is on the line.(UNI)
