Indian teenager hits maiden Take a look at century to convey steadiness to the third Take a look at in Australia.
India seem to have unearthed a brand new gem in Nitish Kumar Reddy, who conjured up a sensational maiden Take a look at hundred to maintain his group alive within the fourth Take a look at in opposition to Australia.
The quantity eight batter’s glowing 105 not out was the bedrock of India’s first innings 358-9 in reply to Australia’s 445 in entrance of a sellout crowd on the Melbourne Cricket Floor on Saturday, together with his teary-eyed father.
At 221-7, the danger of follow-on loomed giant on India however the seam-bowling all-rounder cast a 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar (50) in a spectacular rear guard to rescue the vacationers.
With the final Indian batter Mohammed Siraj on the different finish, Reddy went on to convey up his maiden Take a look at hundred with a 4 off Scott Boland.
The 21-year previous knelt down, perched the helmet on high of his bat deal with, and pointed in the direction of the sky whereas his father wiped tears of pleasure within the stands.
“It’s a special occasion for the household. We’re by no means going to neglect this present day,” Reddy senior, who give up his job to assist form his son’s profession, advised Fox Cricket.
“With solely Siraj left, we have been very, very tense. I used to be praying for him.”
Reddy has made sturdy impressions on his maiden tour. He scored 41 and 38 not out in his debut Take a look at within the collection opener in Perth and his 42 within the drawn second Take a look at in Adelaide have been the very best by an Indian batter in both innings.
India have been in dire straits when Reddy walked out to bat on the MCG on Saturday and as soon as once more he responded with a counterattacking knock that neutralised a lot of Australia’s benefit.
Reddy has fulfilled his goals of enjoying alongside Virat Kohli and acquired his maiden Take a look at cap from his idol.
“I used to calculate my age in order to see if he doesn’t retire after I make my debut for India,” the all-rounder mentioned forward of his Take a look at debut.
Reddy is now India’s most prolific batter, second total behind Australia’s Travis Head, regardless of enjoying as a decrease middle-order batter.
Reddy’s eight sixes within the collection up to now are the joint-most by a touring batter in Australia, equalling Englishman Michael Vaughan and West Indian Chris Gayle.
The tidy seamer has additionally claimed three wickets however former India coach Ravi Shastri mentioned Reddy deserved to bat larger up the order.
“I want to bat him within the high six,” Shastri advised Star Sports activities. “Then you definitely (India) can play 5 bowler and get the group steadiness proper.
“The group administration should think about him. Put him within the high six, he’s nearly as good as anybody along with his method, along with his capacity to play the quicks and the spinners.”
