4th Test
Day-3 Evening Session Highlights:
Nitish Reddy has scored his maiden Test century to strengthen India’s position at the MCG
At The Stumps of Day-3:
India scored 358/9 (1st Innings), where as Australia scored 474 (1st Innings).
So, finally India trail by 116 runs.
Nitish Reddy scored his maiden Test century while Washington Sundar notched up his fourth fifty in the format, helping India solidify their position at the MCG on Day 3.
The duo rescued India from 221/7 in the afternoon session, extending their partnership to 348 before Lyon dismissed Washington.
India quickly lost Jasprit Bumrah, putting Nitish at risk of being stranded in the 90s, but Mohammed Siraj held firm at the other end, allowing the 21-year-old to reach his milestone.
Nitish’s only moments of nerves came in the late 90s, during an otherwise fluent knock that held off the Australian attack and reduced their advantage.
He had arrived at the crease earlier in the day following a dramatic first half-hour, where Rishabh Pant fell while attempting a lap shot off Scott Boland, only to top-edge it to Nathan Lyon at third man.
Ravindra Jadeja, known for his restraint, fell to a well-disguised delivery from Lyon.
The off-spinner had pushed Jadeja onto the backfoot with his length and pace variations before trapping him leg-before for 17.
Nitish and Washington Sundar then proved the Indian management’s faith in them with a determined partnership.
Nitish, having already scored three 40s in the series, showed no signs of hesitancy, despite India’s precarious position.
Washington matched his resilience, battling against Pat Cummins and others, and played long after a stroke of luck when Steve Smith dropped a tough catch in the slips.
While Nitish’s innings was brisk, it was far from reckless.
He avoided the temptation of playing the ramp shot against short deliveries from Pat Cummins, a shot that had cost him his wicket in Adelaide.
Even when a short ball glanced off his glove, he maintained composure.
Nitish exuded confidence, playing controlled drives and charging Lyon.
His only audacious moment came when he attempted a reverse sweep off pacer Scott Boland.
He continued in the same vein through the final session, as his father watched from the stands, nervously chanting prayers for the century.
It wasn’t easy for Nitish to reach the landmark, as Lyon removed Washington and Cummins dismissed Bumrah at first slip, the first such dismissal in the game.
Nitish spent 18 deliveries in the 90s before finally lofting Boland for a four down the ground to bring up his hundred.
Just after he reached the milestone, bad light forced the players off the field, and soon after, rain ensured no further play.
India finished the day at 358/9, trailing Australia by 116 runs.
Leave a Reply