India appear to have unearthed a new gem in Nitish Kumar Reddy, who conjured up a sensational maiden test hundred to keep his team alive in the fourth test against Australia on Saturday.
The number eight batter’s sparkling 105 not out was the bedrock of India’s first innings 358-9 in reply to Australia’s 445 in front of a sellout crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground that included his teary-eyed father.
At 221-7, the risk of follow-on loomed large on India but the seam-bowling all-rounder forged a 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar (50) in a spectacular rearguard to rescue the tourists.
With the last Indian batter Mohammed Siraj at the other end, Reddy went on to bring up his maiden test hundred with a four off Scott Boland.
The 21-year old knelt down, perched the helmet on top of his bat handle, and pointed towards the sky while his father wiped tears of joy in the stands.
Reddy has made strong impressions on his maiden tour.
He scored 41 and 38 not out in his debut test in the series opener in Perth and his 42s in the drawn second test in Adelaide were the highest by an Indian batter in either innings.
India were in dire straits when Reddy walked out to bat at the MCG on Saturday and once again he responded with a counter-attacking knock that neutralised much of Australia’s advantage.
Reddy has fulfilled his dreams of playing alongside Virat Kohli and received his maiden test cap from his idol.
Reddy is now India’s most prolific batter, second overall behind Australia’s Travis Head, despite playing as a lower middle order batter.
