Nitish Kumar Reddy stole the show on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test, smashing his maiden Test hundred in style. The young right-handed batter achieved the milestone off 171 balls, marking a historic feat at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). By scoring his century, Reddy became the first No.8 batter to reach the three-figure mark in a Test at the MCG, surpassing Mitchell Johnson’s unbeaten 92 against Sri Lanka in 2012.
Reddy also set a new benchmark for Indian cricket, recording the highest score by an Indian batting at No.8 or lower on Australian soil. The previous record-holder was the legendary Anil Kumble, who scored 87 in Adelaide in 2008. Reddy’s remarkable innings showcased resilience and grit as he led India’s fightback in challenging conditions.
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Partnering with Washington Sundar, Reddy built a crucial century stand for the eighth wicket. He was unbeaten on 85 at Tea and carried his momentum into the final session. On 99, with India down to their last wicket after Jasprit Bumrah’s dismissal, Reddy held his nerve. Mohammed Siraj successfully defended against Pat Cummins, giving Reddy the chance to loft Scott Boland down the ground and seal his maiden Test century.
Nitish Kumar Reddy hits his maiden Test century and receives a standing ovation from the MCG crowd ❤️ #AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/Vbqq5C26gz
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 28, 2024
THE CELEBRATION FROM NKR’S FATHER IS SIMPLY AMAZING. 🥹❤️
– Nitish Kumar Reddy, you’ve made whole India proud. 🇮🇳pic.twitter.com/Gx1PFY7RnE
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 28, 2024
– Sacrificed His Job.
– Retired 25 Years Early.
– Gave His Full Attention to Nitish Kumar Reddy.
– Took Him to Training and Gave him All the Facilities.This is how a proud father looks When his dreams turn into reality 🫡pic.twitter.com/PaO66IPEFx
— GBB Cricket (@gbb_cricket) December 28, 2024
The 21-year-old’s innings was a continuation of his stellar form on this tour. Reddy had already impressed with a fifty off 81 balls earlier in the innings, celebrating in style with the iconic ‘Pushpa’ move from Allu Arjun’s Telugu blockbuster. His contributions have been instrumental throughout the series, including solid knocks of 41 and 38 not out in Perth, and twin scores of 42 in Adelaide.
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Reddy’s sensational rise has been one of the standout stories of India’s campaign in Australia. After shining in the 2024 IPL season with Sunrisers Hyderabad, he has seamlessly transitioned to the Test arena, proving his mettle against top-tier opposition. His century in Melbourne further cements his reputation as a promising all-round talent in Indian cricket.
What a moment for Nitish Kumar Reddy 🤩
A maiden Test ton when India needed it the most 💯 #WTC25 | 📝 #AUSvIND: https://t.co/sW9azPlMfW pic.twitter.com/tUNXG9obfQ
— ICC (@ICC) December 28, 2024
फायर नहीं वाइल्डफायर है! 🔥🔥
Nitish Kumar Reddy gets to his maiden CENTURY and what a stage to get it on!
He is now the leading run scorer for India in the ongoing BGT 🙌👏#TeamIndia #AUSvIND https://t.co/URu6dBsWmg pic.twitter.com/J8D08SOceT
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 28, 2024
Happy with that 🇮🇳
Nitish Kumar Reddy brings up his maiden Test century! pic.twitter.com/VLC23NWNqQ
— Melbourne Cricket Ground (@MCG) December 28, 2024
𝙅𝙝𝙪𝙠𝙚𝙜𝙖 𝙣𝙖𝙝𝙞, 𝙧𝙪𝙠𝙚𝙜𝙖 𝙣𝙖𝙝𝙞! 🔥💪
Rising to the occasion for 🇮🇳? Nitish is Ever-Reddy! 💯#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 4th Test, Day 3 | LIVE NOW! | #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/CkwkIGBRSC
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 28, 2024
MCG. Boxing Day. India are 221-7. Trailing by 253. Starc, Cummins, Boland, and Lyon are breathing fire at the other end.
Imagine scoring your first Test hundred under these conditions while taking India to only 120 behind.
What a knock, Nitish Kumar Reddy, what a knock 🫡 pic.twitter.com/9uM9M4gEK1
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 28, 2024
🗣️ “A splendid Test century. Unforgettable. That will live in the lore of Boxing Day Test matches here.” – @GerardWhateley
🗣️ “A star is born at the G. No one in India will ever forget this moment.” – @beastieboy07
🇮🇳 Nitish Kumar Reddy conquers the mighty MCG with a stunning… pic.twitter.com/hfSqQgOhHM
— SEN Cricket (@SEN_Cricket) December 28, 2024
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s father sacrificed his career, retired 25 years early, to fully dedicate himself to Nitish Reddy’s cricket practices. Despite all the financial struggles, he ensured the best training and facilities.
This is the pride of a father fulfilled. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/iFwc8W1rVP
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) December 28, 2024
Nitish Kumar reddy PUSHPA mannerism with bat 😭🔥#Pushpa2TheRule pic.twitter.com/15MhTJF39A
— Musugu Donga (@MusuguDhonga) December 28, 2024
MSK Prasad Yesterday : “ NITISH KUMAR REDDY Creating confusion in team he is not complete Batter or Bowler, he can’t win matches with his Skills”
Today Nitish created History with his maiden Century, Perfect way to shut mouth of Critics 🤫#INDvsAUS
— Veena Jain (@DrJain21) December 28, 2024
On public demand This is for Nitish Kumar reddy. Well played youngster 👏 so proud of you 💯 pic.twitter.com/F6e4T9XEkJ
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 28, 2024
If Nitish Kumar Reddy scores a century against Australia this innings, I’ll send Rs.1000 via Paytm to everyone who likes this tweet. #INDvsAUS #nitishkumarreddy#WTC25 #Pushpa2#ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/NzwR1iWXU2
— RAJASTHANI MAN (@rajasthaniman1) December 28, 2024
This Nitish Kumar Reddy’s 100 is one of the greatest knock in history of Indian Test Cricket…. scoring a 100 that too batting at 8 with team in trouble is a dream stuff❤️🔥
After being so consistent he deserved a promotion but made to bat at 8 at MCG!!pic.twitter.com/tcbOybYIWn
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) December 28, 2024
Nitish Kumar Reddy nailed the ultimate hat-trick every man should aspire to:
1. Score a century in front of a racist White crowd
2. Make your dad tear up with pride from the front row
3. Drop a world-class helmet-on-bat celebration for the history books pic.twitter.com/aRm7gH34nd— Lord Immy Kant (Eastern Exile) (@KantInEast) December 28, 2024
Today at MCG, Nitish Kumar Reddy played one of the Finest Test Innings when India were in a spot of bother 💯
His Dad in Tears 🥹
Indian Fans in Tears 🇮🇳
Commentators Overwhelmed 😯#nitishkumarreddy #INDvsAUSpic.twitter.com/aXeSBikUBJ— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) December 28, 2024
