Nitish Kumar Reddy’s valiant century leads India’s fightback in MCG Test

A day that started with its own set of misgivings as India faltered against the growing might of the Aussies saw the tide flipping at the end with Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar putting in an impressive partnership. Starting the day at 164/5, India had their own shares of early perils with Rishabh Pant falling for 28.

Despite Ravindra Jadeja (17) pushing hard, he couldn’t sustain himself as Nathan Lyon got the better of him. It was however, the arrival of Washington Sundar in the center, who joined forces with Nitish Kumar Reddy as India started the fightback.

The duo added 127 runs for the eighth wicket with Reddy being the spearhead while Sundar dropped anchor at the other end. Reddy stayed unbeaten for 105 while Washi’s warring 50 allowed India to claw their way back to a magnitude from where they could keep the Aussies at bay.

By the end of play on Day 3, India were stationed at 358/9 with Reddy keeping the fight alive. The visitors are still trailing by a staggering 116 runs and will be hopeful of reducing the deficit further before the hosts bowl them out.

Brief scores:

Australia – 474 (Steve Smith – 140, Jasprit Bumrah – 4/99)

India – 358/9 (Nitish Kumar Reddy – 105*, Scott Boland – 3/57)