NEW DELHI: Nitish Kumar Reddy‘s maiden Check century was the spotlight of day three within the fourth Check between India and Australia on the Melbourne Cricket Floor.
Reddy’s decided innings helped India battle again in opposition to Australia’s imposing first-innings whole for 474.
Reddy achieved the century milestone within the closing session of the day, greeted by the cheers of 80,000-plus followers current on the MCG.
“I all the time dreamed about making him (father) proud,” stated Reddy to BCCI TV.
The all-rounder’s century anchored an important partnership for India. His 127-run stand with Washington Sundar got here near breaking India’s file for the best eighth-wicket partnership in Australia, falling simply three runs brief.
Reddy displayed resilience and dedication all through his innings.
“We’re right here, we’ll hold combating. Even once I obtained hit with a bouncer, I simply saved saying the identical factor: ‘Preserve combating.’ That is what saved motivating me.”
Reddy recounted a key second throughout his innings as he approached the century mark. He was on 99 when Mohammed Siraj joined him on the crease. He acknowledged Siraj’s encouraging phrases and optimistic perspective, which boosted his confidence in reaching the century milestone.
“I used to be on 99 when Mohammed Siraj walked in to bat with three balls,” remarked Reddy.
“I do know what mentality Siraj carries, and he was like, ‘I’ll do it.’ He was boosted up and stated, ‘Reddy, now it is your time,’ and I used to be so blissful,” he added.
On the shut of play, Reddy remained unbeaten on 105, with India’s rating at 354 for 9.
Reddy’s innings was a testomony to his need to carry out effectively on the Australian stage.
“I needed to carry out effectively in Australia so that everybody would recognise me and what I’m able to. I let my bat do the speaking. I used to be so grateful for the second, and after it, I noticed my father and he was crying. I all the time dreamed about making him proud.”
Reddy’s century got here off 172 deliveries, together with ten fours and one six. He reached the landmark with a 4 over mid-on off Scott Boland. Reddy described his emotional response upon reaching his century. He marked the second by putting his bat and helmet alongside the Indian flag.
“After my hundred, I used to be simply planting my bat over there and retaining the helmet so the Indian flag was seen. I used to be planting my Indian flag and saluting it. Representing India is the largest motivation, and I needed to make this second memorable.”
Reddy’s spectacular debut collection continued together with his century. He has maintained a exceptional common of over 70 in his first six Check innings, accumulating 282 runs.
