Nitish Kumar Reddy etched his name in the record books with a stunning maiden international century during the fourth Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His knock of 105 runs from 176 balls, including 10 boundaries, played a pivotal role in India’s first-innings total of 358/9 on Day 3 of the Test.
Nitish’s father, Mutyala Reddy, expressed his emotions during a live interview with Adam Gilchrist for the official broadcaster, describing the day as unforgettable for their family. “For our family, it’s a special day, and we cannot forget this day in our life. He has been performing well since the age group of 14-15, and now in international cricket, it’s a very special feeling,” Mutyala Reddy shared.
Nitish’s century came under intense pressure, with only one wicket remaining and Mohammed Siraj holding the fort at the other end. His father admitted to feeling tense during the critical moments when Nitish was on 99. “I was very tense. Only the last wicket was remaining. Thankfully, Siraj managed to survive,” he said.
The innings also saw commendable support from Washington Sundar, who scored a gritty 50 off 162 balls, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who laid a solid foundation with his knock of 82 off 118 deliveries. Despite early dismissals of senior players like Rohit Sharma (3), KL Rahul (24), and Virat Kohli (36), Nitish’s resilience helped India recover and stay competitive, trailing Australia by 116 runs as rain brought an early halt to Day 3.
The young batter’s remarkable knock not only bolstered India’s innings but also marked a significant milestone in his budding international career. For the Reddy family, it was a proud moment that highlighted the years of hard work and dedication behind Nitish’s success.