Nitish Kumar Reddy picked the perfect time to score his maiden century as India fought their way back into the fourth Test against Australia on Saturday.
All-rounder Reddy was applauded off the Melbourne Cricket Ground pitch at the end of Day 3 following his brilliant unbeaten 105 after rain ended play midway through the final session.
India had reached 358-9 at stumps still 116 runs shy of Australia's first innings total of 474 but were in a much healthier position thanks to a 127-run partnership between Reddy and Washington Sundar (50).
The pair fell two runs shy of equalling the record for an eighth-wicket partnership for India versus Australia of 129 which was set by Harbhajan Singh and Sachin Tendulkar at Sydney Cricket Ground in January 2008.
To the roar of a large contingent of Indian supporters among a record 83,073 third-day crowd at the MCG, Reddy lofted Scott Boland over mid-on to reach three figures just before play was halted.
It was an innings memorable for resolute defence, mixed with classical stroke play. Reddy faced 176 balls, hitting 10 fours and one six, continuing the fine batting form at number eight in the order that has marked his debut series.
In his first six Test innings, he has scored 284 runs – the most in the series by any Indian player – at an average of 71. Reddy will return on Day 4 hoping to grab a few more runs with tail-ender Mohammed Siraj, who was two not out.
Sundar described Reddy's innings as “unbelievable” and said he always knew a century was well within his teammate's ability.
“Mentally he's very, very strong,” Sundar said. “I've known him for quite a few years. The way he went about his business today was amazing. He gives a hundred per cent, that's his approach to life.
“I'm sure this hundred will be talked about and remembered for a very, very long time.”
Seamers Boland, who took 3-57, and Pat Cummins with 3-86 were the most productive Australian bowlers in conditions that offered little assistance despite overcast skies.
Boland said Reddy was a “nice player” whose range of shots proved hard to contain.
“It looks like he's got pretty much every shot in the book,” he said. “Obviously he's playing really nicely. Coming in down in the lower order, he's trying to put the pressure back on us.
“When Reddy got his hundred it was very loud. You would think they were leading the game but we are still in front by 120.”
The MCG crowds have now seen two young talents make their mark this test, with Australia's 19-year-old opener Sam Konstas producing a thrilling knock of 60 on Day 1 of his debut.
Australia's fast bowlers had little joy from the wicket, leaving Nathan Lyon to make key breakthroughs.
Lyon broke Reddy and Sundar's big partnership by having Sundar edge to Steve Smith at slip. The veteran spinner also trapped Ravindra Jadeja lbw for 17, breaking a 30-run stand with Reddy.
Boland grabbed his third wicket of the innings when wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant holed out for 28 with a miscued reverse scoop in the morning that left former India opener Sunil Gavaskar fuming.
“Stupid, stupid, stupid,” the TV commentator said. “That is letting your team down badly.”
Reddy resurrected India with an innings laden with attractive shots and meaty slogging, joining Sundar with India wobbling badly at 221-7, still 54 runs short of avoiding the follow-on having started the day on 164-5.
He raised his first test fifty with a lofted square drive, despatching a loose Starc delivery to the ropes for four and later brought up the 100-partnership with Sundar with a sumptuous cover drive, made all the more sweet for Indian fans when Lyon stumbled at the boundary to concede a four.
The tourists still have hard yards ahead to deny Australia victory and a 2-1 lead in the five-test series, though, with Sydney hosting the final match in the New Year. “We're in a pretty strong position,” added Boland. “Obviously it could have been better but Test match cricket ebbs and flows.”
