Fun, drama, tension, and heroics—everything was happening at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the IND vs AUS 3rd Test. India resumed the third day at 164/5 with Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease, but it was Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy who cruised India to a lesser deficit against the Aussies. The 20-year-old scored a brilliant hundred to shine, while Washington contributed with a gritty fifty as well. After stumps, India stood at 356/9, with Mohammed Siraj standing alongside Nitish Kumar Reddy, with Australia having a lead of 129 runs.
Wickets fall early for India
The day began with high hopes as Rishabh Pant looked to rebuild India’s innings. However, Pant’s aggressive yet foolish approach resulted in his dismissal for 26 when he tried to ramp a delivery from Scott Boland but was caught at deep third. A few balls later Ravindra Jadeja also fell to Nathan Lyon for 17, trapping him LBW with a delivery that barely clipped the bails. India ended the morning session at 244/7, still trailing by 230 runs, it felt like India would go with a 200 run deficit with a follow on but the young guns had different plans.
Nitish and Sundar’s epic partnership
After lunch, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar took control, steadying the ship for India. Reddy displayed determination and skill, reaching his half-century with a beautiful four off Mitchell Starc. Sundar provided solid support, notching up his fifty with a well-timed drive. Their partnership was a mix of careful defence and strategic scoring, allowing India to push past the 300-run mark, raising hopes of avoiding a follow-on. Reddy and Sundar had a 127-run partnership, taking the team out of a shambling score.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s heroics & drama in final overs
Nitish faced mounting pressure, particularly after Sundar’s dismissal to Lyon for 50. Despite losing partners, Nitish remained unfazed. He was stranded on 97 as the last few wickets fell, including that of Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins at slip. However, with Scott Boland’s aggressive bowling, Nitish showed his class by reaching his maiden Test century with a stunning drive over mid-on, bringing the Melbourne crowd to their feet. It was a proud moment, witnessed by his father in the stands.
