Young Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy conquered the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in a true manner as he played a knock that will be remembered for the ages in the ongoing Boxing Day Test against Australia in Melbourne.
Nitish Kumar Reddy brought up a memorable century with a stunning boundary off Scott Boland in the ongoing fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Emotions overflow as Nitish Kumar Reddy’s stellar century inspires India’s Fightback
Following his maiden Test hundred, Nitish’s father, overcome with emotion, was seen praying with folded hands as tears rolled down his face, as it was a moment of pride. On the other hand, Reddy celebrated in style—kneeling down, planting his bat, and placing his helmet on top in a gesture of triumph.
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India was struggling at 191/6 when Reddy came to bat in, but the youngster stood tall against the pressure, forming a crucial partnership of 127 runs with Washington Sundar against Australia. His composed and fearless knock turned the tide, making it a performance to remember for one and all.
THE EMOTIONS OF NKR’S FATHER 🥹👌 pic.twitter.com/SEkRdlETZU
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 28, 2024
As the bad light stopped the play at the MCG, the Australian players gathered around Nitish Kumar Reddy to congratulate him on his incredible innings under such pressure in the ongoing Boxing Day Test. As Reddy walked back to the pavilion, the MCG crowd rose to their feet, applauding the young star for his incredible performance against the fearsome Australian attack.
We cannot forget this day in our life: Nitish Kumar Reddy’s father
Well, Nitish Reddy showed exceptional composure and cricketing intelligence at such a young age, rescuing India from a tough situation with his brilliant knock, and the tourists couldn’t have asked for more. This exciting talent is a true gem in the making, with India trailing by 116 runs.
Mutyala Reddy, Nitish’s father, told Adam Gilchrist as quoted by Cricbuzz: “For our family, it’s a special day, and we cannot forget this day in our life. He has been performing well since the age group of 14-15, and now in international cricket, it’s a very special feeling. I was very tense. Only the last wicket was remaining. Thankfully, Siraj managed to survive.”
Nitish Kumar Reddy scripts history with the MCG ton against Australia
It was a remarkable achievement for the 21-year-old. With this ton, Reddy has become the only third-youngest batter to hit a Test century while batting at number 8 or lower. Before him, Abul Hasan achieved this feat at 20 years and 108 days, and Ajay Ratra did it at 20 years and 150 days.
His maiden Test century placed Nitish Reddy among an elite group of young Indian batters who have achieved this feat in Australia. Sachin Tendulkar remains the youngest batter to score a Test hundred for India in Australia. The Master Blaster had scored a memorable century in Sydney at just 18 years and 256 days in 1992.
Rishabh Pant followed with his century at 21 years and 92 days, also at Sydney in 2019. Nitish Reddy’s brilliant knock came at 21 years and 216 days, while Dattu Phadkar achieved this feat at Adelaide in 1948 at the age of 22 years and 46 days.