Australia India Cricket: A Thrilling Battle of Titans
The rivalry between Australia and India in cricket has always been an intense and exciting one. With both teams having a rich history of success in the sport, every match between them is a thrilling battle of titans.
From iconic moments like the 2001 Kolkata Test match where India pulled off a historic win after following on, to the fierce competition in limited-overs cricket, every encounter between Australia and India is filled with drama and excitement.
The upcoming series between the two teams promises to be no different. With star players like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Rohit Sharma, and Pat Cummins set to take the field, fans can expect a high-quality display of cricketing prowess.
As the two teams gear up to face off once again, cricket fans around the world are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a memorable clash between Australia and India. Stay tuned for all the action and drama as these two cricketing giants go head to head on the field.
Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal struck a gritty half-century Monday to keep Australia at bay as India reached 112-3 at tea, with hopes alive of escaping the fourth Test with a draw.
The 23-year-old Jaiswal overcame a shaky start to be on 63 off 159 balls while Rishabh Pant was 28.
The pair batted through the second session of the final day in an unbroken partnership of 79 after India lost three wickets just before lunch.
With a minimum of 38 overs still to be bowled, India need an unlikely 228 more runs to reach their target of 340, while Australia require seven wickets to take a 2-1 lead into the final Test in Sydney, beginning Friday.
But the possibility of a draw loomed into view as Jaiswal and Pant adopted a risk-free approach against a home attack showing signs of running out of ideas as the ball began to age.
Unlike the period with the new ball before lunch, Australia struggled to create chances and Jaiswal looked much more comfortable than when routinely beaten by quick bowlers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc in the first session.
Australia’s best hope could rest on making inroads with the second new ball, although it will only become available with about an hour of play remaining.
India have shown little taste for taking on what would be a record fourth-innings chase at Melbourne to go 2-1 up in the five-match series.
The cheap dismissals of veterans Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli were a major setback as India limped to 33-3 at lunch.
Kohli departed off the final ball before the interval, having scored just five when he tried to drive a wide delivery from Starc and edged to Usman Khawaja at first slip.
Australia captain Cummins made a double breakthrough in the 17th over and has taken 2-19, continuing a brilliant all-round performance in which he scored 49 and 41 with that bat.
Opposing skipper Rohit had batted with discipline but fell when attempting an aggressive whip across the line that flew quickly to Mitchell Marsh at gully.
The out-of-form Rohit has failed to go past 10 in three Tests after missing the opener in Perth for the birth of his second child.
India were 25-1 at that stage and it quickly became 25-2 as Rahul fell five balls later, snicking a rising Cummins delivery to Khawaja at first slip.
Earlier, Australia’s stubborn final-wicket stand of 61 was finally broken 10 balls into the day when Nathan Lyon was bowled by Jasprit Bumrah for 41.
Last man Scott Boland scored a dogged not out on 15 off 74 balls.
The exceptional Bumrah took 5-57 to give the fast bowler nine wickets for the Test and 30 across the first four Tests of the series.
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In a thrilling display of resilience and determination, young Indian batsman Shubman Gill played a gutsy innings to reach a fifty on the fourth day of the final Test match against Australia. His performance has given India hope of saving the match and securing a historic series win.
Facing a formidable Australian bowling attack on a challenging pitch, Gill showed great composure and skill to reach his milestone. His innings was filled with elegant strokes and smart decision-making, showcasing his potential as a future star of Indian cricket.
With India facing a daunting target to chase in the fourth innings, Gill’s innings has provided a glimmer of hope for the team. If he can continue his fine form and build a substantial partnership with the other batsmen, India could have a realistic chance of salvaging a draw or even pulling off a miraculous victory.
The stage is set for a thrilling final day of the Test match, with India’s hopes resting on the shoulders of their young batting talent. If Gill can continue to play with the same determination and courage he displayed in his fifty, India could be on the verge of a historic series win against Australia. Let’s hope for a nail-biting finish and a memorable performance from the Indian team.
“I’ve always felt that the six is like a drug. Once you’ve hit a couple of sixes, in any form of the game … it’s in you,” he says on ABC Sport.
“That could have been hit for a boundary.”
25 overs left – India 6-138 (T: 340)
Lyon to Washington again. He’s navigated the offie pretty well.
He knows everything is outside off and spinning away, and he’s playing accordingly.
Lyon tries to fire one in faster and Washington bunts it away to point.
26 overs left – India 6-132
Scott Boland is back with a silly mid-off for Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is on 76.
Jaiswal defends straight to him and Konstas has a fake shy at the stumps.
(Getty)
Konstas is conducting the crowd clap from silly mid-off. Gotta love it.
Again, though, Jaiswal is untroubled.
Boland angles in from around the wicket and Jaiswal clips off his hip for two more.
Four! What a shot. Beautiful off drive to a length ball. He is rock solid out there.
27 overs left – Lyon has fielders all around the bat
Two slips, two silly mid-offs, a short leg. Washington is in a battle.
And he edges behind, but wide of slip.
Washington is defending well outside off.
Not a lot really happens in the over, but the fielders are having a grand old time.
28 overs left – In comes Scott Boland
Yashasvi Jaiswal faces up, with even more pressure on his young shoulders.
WHOOSH! Jaiswal throws everything at a rank wide one and misses everything. Was that about runs or just scaring the life out of Sam Konstas under the lid?
Konstas is in the firing line. He still won’t shut up though.
We have our answer on Travis Head’s celebration
(ABC Sport)
It’s a reference to Head’s own joke after taking 4-10 in Galle in 2022.
64th over – Lyon with Washington Sundar the new man in
Another chance! A tough one, but Washington drives up into Konstas thigh at silly mid-off and the ball pops up behind him to safety.
Washington pushes hard and takes two to cover.
LYON GETS NITISH AND INDIA IS SIX DOWN!
Nathan Lyon gets a ball to skid on straight on and finds the outsid edge, and Steve Smith takes a superb catch down low to his left behind Alex Carey.
Lyon loved that one. The Aussies are up and about now.
29 overs left – Lyon again
Nitish Kumar Reddy is on strike.
63rd over – An enormous roar greets Nitish Kumar Reddy to the crease
The first-innings century-maker is out in the middle to face Boland.
A little leading edge as Nitish tries to clip off his thigh. That would have gone straight to a silly mid-off, but there’s no-one in there. Still not a very attacking field.
Cummins puts someone in there in response, and Nitish gets off the mark by turning a single off his hip behind square.
Jaiswal carves a couple into the deep. He’s still cutting from close to off stump.
JADEJA IS GONE!! Boland does it again!
Scott Boland strikes in his first over and India is five wickets down.
Not for the first time today, Boland gets a ball to jump at a batter and Jadeja can’t help but fend at it, getting a healthy nick through to Alex Carey.
30 overs left – Scott Boland replaces Travis Head
Saving Pat Cummins an Mitchell Starc for the new ball? But it’s still 18 overs away. I think it’s worth a couple of efforts from the strike men against the new batter.
31 overs left – Lyon is bowling with fielders around the bat
Ravindra Jadeja has Sam Konstas and Marnus Labuschagne jabbering away under the lids on either side of the pitch.
Lyon’s challenging both edges right now, but Jaiswal is doing well to smother the ball.
He’s getting a good stride in to defend.
And that’s a maiden.
Any guesses what this celebration was about?
Not sure what Travis Head was doing after Rishabh pant’s wicket.(Getty)
32 overs left – Head comes over the wicket
Jaiswal is slashing to the off side and Head gets a look at Jadeja.
Jadeja pushes to mid-off and takes a single on Marnus’s arm.
Konstas is lippy in at silly mid-off.
Four singles including one of the last ball of the over. So Jadeja keeps the strike.
33 overs left – Nathan Lyon continues
Ravindra Jadeja is out there, but Lyon is still bowling to Jaiswal, who’s getting forward to defend.
“Has he picked it?” shouts Konstas at silly mid-off as Jaiswal plays back to defend a skidder.
Jaiswal nudges a single to cover, so Lyon has one ball at Jadeja.
The Boxing Day Test live: Australia hunts victory as India tries to chase down record score at MCG on day five
The final day of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground promises to be a thrilling one, with Australia looking to secure victory against India, who are attempting to chase down a record score.
Australia currently holds the upper hand in the match, having set India a daunting target of 335 runs to win. The Indian team will need to put on a stellar batting performance if they are to achieve the highest successful run chase at the MCG.
With the likes of Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ajinkya Rahane in their lineup, India certainly has the firepower to mount a successful chase. However, they will need to navigate a strong Australian bowling attack led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
On the other hand, Australia will be looking to their bowlers to deliver the goods and secure the wickets needed to wrap up the match. Nathan Lyon will play a crucial role on the final day, with his spin bowling likely to be a key weapon against the Indian batsmen.
As the tension mounts at the MCG, cricket fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see if India can pull off a historic victory or if Australia will emerge triumphant. Stay tuned for all the action from the Boxing Day Test live!
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70th over: India 138-6 (Jaiswal 82, Sundar 2) Blood in the water? Bring back Starc. He brings a face of anguish to the first ball of his 15th over. That injured grunter muscle now comes with a grimace every delivery. Sundar won’t bite at the wide ones and can’t pierce the field to the straight ones. An attempted bouncer on the fifth but it’s 140kph and sails through at shoulder height. A yorker on the last almost gets through. Almost.
Sean Boucher has emailed to ask “What pain relief are cricketers allowed to use by international cricket rules? Sounds like Starc needs an injection like AFL players get to ignore the pain and smash these Indians.”
69th over: India 138-6 (Jaiswal 82, Sundar 2) Cometh the hour, cometh the man called Cummins. Captain Pat sends a scorching bouncer whistling past Jaiswal’s grille first up. The sequel is right in the channel but too close to the body to chop at. Cummins targets the legs, no discernible swing. Another bouncer. Jaiswal has now survived over 200 balls, a small payback perhaps for his three dropped catches yesterday. A diving Mitchell Marsh saves an edge that might’ve run for four. Screws turning on India.
68th over: India 138-6 (Jaiswal 82, Sundar 2) Here’s the equation: For victory, Australia need four wickets and India need 202 runs. We have 25 overs to play. The home side are four balls from victory and India are 150 balls from safety. Nathan Lyon bowls a maiden, the fourth of his 17 overs so far.
67th over: India 138-6 (Jaiswal 82, Sundar 2) Boland thunders in to Jaiswal. It’s short and Jaiswal fends it off where Konstas fields close-in and threatens to shy from two yards out. Commentators are crediting Konstas for this clatter of wickets. He’s chuntering away, tickling the turf as the bowler runs in, raising his arms to encourage the crowd clap. It’s a heathen brew of teenage irritations and it’s getting under the Indian skins. Finally Jaiswal finds relief, working Boland off the hip for two. With the pressure valve off he drives a lovely four down the ground. He’s into the eighties.
66th over: India 132-6 (Jaiswal 76, Sundar 2) Australia are pushing for victory. India look rattled after that tumble of dismissals and Lyon draws another edge from Sundar. It falls short of Smith. The crowding of the batter has gone up a notch with Konstas at silly point and Head at short leg. Even Pat Cummins has put on the helmet and is standing mid-pitch. It works. A maiden. Heat and noise rising at the MCG!
65th over: India 132-6 (Jaiswal 76, Sundar 2) Boland draws three dots from Jaiswal, the last a seriously big swish. With the loss of three quick wickets, Jasiwal has lost his cool. Konstas has been chirping and grinning at silly mid-off and it almost seems as through Jaiswal is aiming these big shots at him. Boland beats him on the fifth and retrieves a hard-hit drive on the last to preserve the maiden.
64th over: India 128-6 (Jaiswal 73, Sundar 2) Dropped?! No, new batter Washington Sundar has driven it into Sam Konstas’s leg. Lyon has his hands on his stubbly bonce in exasperation. That was close! Konstas is standing very close too. Too close to catch those chances perhaps? Sundar drives for two from the last. MCG is humming now!
WICKET! Nitish c Smith b Lyon 1 (India 130-6)
Nathan Lyon STRIKES! It floated and fizzed, gripped and shot straight on. A little edge from Nitish and Steve Smith sprawled to his left to take a brilliant catch. Australia are officially on a tear. One more wicket and they’re into the Indian tailenders.
WICKET! Jadeja c Carey b Boland 2 (India 127-5)
Scott Boland strikes! The first ball of his spell was wide but the second ball was lethal. It sprang off the pitch and went straight for Jadeja’s throat. The new batter flinched and fended and it kissed the edge and flew to Carey. Another breakthrough for Australia!
63rd over: India 130-6 (Jaiswal 76, Nitish 1) Wonderful bowling by Boland and excellent captaincy by Pat Cummins to soften up the Indians with spin before prickling them with pace. Nitish Kumar Reddy, India’s centurion in the first innings, is the new batter. He will sell his wicket dearly. Have Australia devised a plan for him in the last 36 hours?
Ravindra Jadeja leaves the field after being dismissed against Australia. Photograph: Martin Keep/AFP/Getty Images
63rd over: India 126-4 (Jaiswal 73, Jadeja 2) The stage is set for last gasp heroics. Enter Scott Boland, the man who tore England asunder with 6 for 7 on debut at this ground in 2021. Jaiswal cuts him for a single straight up.
62nd over: India 126-4 (Jaiswal 73, Jadeja 2) India need 214 runs to win. Not that they’re trying to. A draw here would keep the clamps on at 1-1 and Sydney’s fickle meteorology might take care of the rest. Lyon wheels into his 14th over, probing and pushing. Australia has a ring of close-in fielders crowding Jadeja. It pressures a maiden.
61st over: India 126-4 (Jaiswal 73, Jadeja 2) Head waddles into his fifth over. He starts it with 1-10 and bristling with brio after claiming his 14th Test wicket. He averages a respectable 31 with the ball and has a best of 4-10. What Australia would give for a four-for today. Instead, Jaiswal take Head for a couple of singles each.
60th over: India 121-4 (Jaiswal 69, Jadeja 0) Ravindra Jadeja is the new batter, a formidable cricketer with bat and ball. Nathan Lyon has 0-32 but his tail is up after that Pant dismissal. Four dots before Jaiswal gets a single driving to long on.
WICKET! Pant c Marsh b Head 30 (India 120-4)
A long hop from Head, a big but loose shot from Pant, a great tumbling catch by Marsh on the boundary! That wicket came from nowhere but it could open the floodgates. Rishabh Pant, an aggressor by nature, had been toiling hard for his 30 from 104 balls. But a rush of blood to the head has given this Test the twist it needed. Game on!
59th over: India 120-3 (Jaiswal 69, Pant 30) Head continues and Jaiswal works a single. India are grinding out the draw they want here.
58th over: India 120-3 (Jaiswal 69, Pant 30) Konstas cops one but stops one at silly mid-off. Grab a catch there and his national hero status is enhanced by another 20,000 followers. Five dots and a single from this Lyon over.
57th over: India 119-3 (Jaiswal 68, Pant 30) Australia are three overs behind so Head will continue in a bid to catch up. Over rates cost Australia a qualification in the first World Test Championship final so Pat Cummins isn’t leaving anything to chance. Three singles from the over. With Head bowling, Sam Konstas is under the lid at silly mid-off.
56th over: India 116-3 (Jaiswal 66, Pant 29) Australia are rattling through the overs as Lyon goes for a single from Jaiswal before Pant is beaten by two fizzers at the end. Noice Gary!
55th over: India 115-3 (Jaiswal 65, Pant 29) A gentle start to what could be a torrid session as Head is worked for three singles and three dots. Where’s Captain Pat?
A bit of news from Cricket Australia as players return to the MCG…
Jhye Richardson has been released from the Australian men’s squad to be available for the Perth Scorchers’ BBL match against the Adelaide Strikers on Tuesday. Richardson will then return to the squad for the fifth Test match against India in Sydney.
A historic day at the MCG. We have officially created a new attendance record for Test cricket in Australia… and bested Bradman into the bargain.
Today, I’m reliably told, is Monday. Hard to believe we have another Test beginning on Friday, given the weariness on the faces and within the bones of the players right now. What have Sydney’s weather gods got in store? Showers forecast for Test-eve Thursday with a 75% chance of storms on day four, rising to 95% with lightning on day five.
What’s the opposite of a rain dance? I’m gonna get Raygun onto it.
54th over: India 112-3 (Jaiswal 63, Pant 28) Oh god, now it’s me wincing in pain. Marnus Labuschagne has been thrown the ball. He starts with three short balls down leg side, none of which Rishabh can be bothered playing at. This is absurd. Three more “bouncers” follow, none faster than 125kph. Could be the worst over I’ve seen since Rod Marsh was given a bowl in his final Test. That’s tea. Put a slug of Jamesons in mine.
53rd over: India 112-3 (Jaiswal 63, Pant 28) Starc is visibly wincing after every delivery with that rib niggle. I believe fast bowlers call it the “grunter muscle”. To whom would Australia turn if he can’t play in Sydney? Rishabh Pant prods the wound by working a wider ball fine to the boundary for four.
52nd over: India 107-3 (Jaiswal 63, Pant 23) Pant cuts Lyon to point for a run but that’s it for this over. Not sure which team is under more pressure here. India or Australia?
51st over: India 106-3 (Jaiswal 63, Pant 22) Starc enters his 13th over. If he’s bowling through pain he’s doing a good job of it, albeit still grabbing at his side and grimacing. He started this over with 1-17. seven maidens into the bargain. Jaiswal isn’t tempted by the first three but now rises to his toes to drive wide of mid-on for two runs. Sam Konstas could be in doubt for the fifth Test with a sprained wrist or lockjaw if he keeps signing autographs and grinning for selfies on the boundary. Was it England’s Derek Pringle forced out of an Ashes tour after injuring himself writing a letter home?
Geoff Lemon
50th over: India 104-3 (Jaiswal 61, Pant 22) Lyon continues, the singles continue. I’m not going to continue, Angus is coming in. Enjoy.
49th over: India 102-3 (Jaiswal 60, Pant 21) Travis Head to have a bowl, Australia at the stage of turning to more exotic options. A couple of singles, then Pant pulls away and dead ball is called. Eventually a third run is taken.
48th over: India 99-3 (Jaiswal 59, Pant 19) A couple of singles from Lyon. So the cagey approach continues, they haven’t shut up shop completely but they’re not moving quickly at this stage. There are 44 overs left and 241 to win.
47th over: India 97-3 (Jaiswal 58, Pant 18) Last time India toured, Pujara played Pujara and Pant played Pant. Now, Pant is playing Pujara, wearing a Cummins bouncer on the shoulder to avoid any risk of getting his gloves involved. Cummins trying to provoke something from such a dangerous player. Pant stays calm, sways away from another one. No run from the over.
46th over: India 97-3 (Jaiswal 58, Pant 18) Lyon to Jaiswal, who cuts a run. Pant defends with the straightest bat, but finally relents from the sixth ball and takes a run through point.
45th over: India 95-3 (Jaiswal 57, Pant 17) Ok, I’m puzzled by this Pant approach. Boland comes on and Pant plays the same way as he did against Cummins, on the front foot blocking everything. Surely it’s possible to at least turn over strike and keep the Australians working? Even if the win itself is too distant to contemplate? Or is he biding his time for some predetermined point?
44th over: India 95-3 (Jaiswal 57, Pant 17) It’s Jaiswal doing the scoring, not Pant. Another two to deep cover. Has a heavy swing at another and misses. Pant comes down and tells him to relax. It doesn’t work, Jaiswal plays a similar shot two balls later, this one skidding on straight from Lyon and nearly taking an edge.
As the fourth men’s cricket Test between Australia and India comes down to the wire, all eyes are on the final day of play. The Australia cricket team will be looking to secure a victory and clinch the series, while India will be fighting hard to salvage a draw.
Stay tuned as we bring you live updates and analysis of the action-packed day five of this thrilling Test match. Will Australia’s bowlers be able to break through India’s resilient batting lineup? Or will India’s batsmen defy the odds and pull off a miraculous comeback?
Join us as we witness the drama unfold in this crucial Test match between two of the world’s top cricketing nations. Don’t miss a moment of the action as Australia and India battle it out on the field for supremacy. #AUSvIND #Cricket #TestMatch #DayFive #LiveUpdates.
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The total attendance for this Test has reached almost 300,000 with a day still to go and those spectators have each witnessed a thrilling Test, with the see-saw action on the fourth day maintaining the excitement.
Australia will be the happier side as they move into the final day given their lead was only 196 when the sixth wicket fell.
Labuschagne’s half-century was the backbone of their recovery, Cummins again provided runs when it mattered most while Lyon and Boland tipped the balance.
Mohammed Siraj, who was excellent for his 3-66, dropped Lyon in his follow-through, at which point Australia’s advantage was 279.
The last-wicket pair looked comfortable late in the day as the bowlers tired, batting for more than an hour together on a pitch that had previously offered plenty of uneven bounce.
Boland, who ended 10 not out, cut for four to take the lead past 300 while Lyon hit five fours in his 41 not out.
Their efforts ensured India will require the highest successful fourth-innings chase at the Melbourne Cricket Ground if they are to win.
The previous record, England’s 332-7, was made in 1928, while no side has scored more than 231 in victory since 1962 – although Australia may well have had India’s epic chase of 328 at the Gabba on their last tour in mind when delaying their declaration.
While a draw would set up a winner-takes-all decider in Sydney next week, it would mean India’s hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final are no longer in their hands.
Australia must win the series outright to regain the Border-Gavaskar trophy while India need to only draw as the holders.
In a thrilling cricket match between Australia and India, it was a battle of the bowlers as Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland shone after Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliant performance.
Bumrah’s outstanding spell of fast bowling left the Australian batsmen struggling, taking crucial wickets and putting India in a strong position. However, Lyon and Boland stepped up for Australia, turning the tide with their impressive bowling performances.
Lyon’s spin bowling expertise troubled the Indian batsmen, picking up key wickets and putting pressure on the opposition. Boland, on the other hand, showcased his skill with the ball, taking important breakthroughs to keep Australia in the game.
It was a thrilling display of bowling talent from both teams, with each player contributing to an exciting and competitive match. As the battle between Australia and India continues, Lyon and Boland’s performances will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Australia v India series unfolds! #Cricket #AustraliaVsIndia #BowlingBrilliance
Rohit Sharma‘s return as an opener did not bear the desired result at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as the right-handed batter once again registered a single-digit score in the series. Rohit, 37, lasted just five balls in the first innings of the fourth Test against Australia and departed after scoring just 3 runs.
India’s Rohit Sharma prepares to bat on the second day of the fourth cricket Test match between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)(AFP)
The Indian captain has come under severe scrutiny and criticism for his below-par returns in Tests. As expected, netizens are not pleased with Rohit’s performance, and his latest dismissal has sparked a plethora of reactions on social media.
In his last 14 innings, Rohit Sharma has managed just 152 runs. After missing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in Perth, Rohit has registered scores of 3,6,10 and 3. In the absence of Rohit, Jasprit Bumrah led India in the first Test, which the visitors won by 295 runs.
Rohit Sharma’s lack of runs and his captaincy are both being questioned. In the Melbourne Test, the management went in with three all-rounders (Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Kumar Reddy).
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), one user wrote, “Out of form is one thing, but Rohit Sharma is giving Negative Energy now. That Negative energy is reflecting not just on his batting performance but also showing on team. Never thought player like him will be washed like this even in sunset phase of career. But that’s what Test cricket does. Take Retirement and Leave.”
Here are some of the other reactions:
Rohit Sharma’s form under scanner
Even in the pink-ball practice game against Australia Prime Minister’s XI, Rohit disappointed, scoring just three runs. In the prior series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, the India captain registered one score of more than 50.
After Rohit Sharma’s dismissal, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting called out the Indian captain for playing a lazy shot. “That’s just a lazy, not-switched-on, not-up-for-the-moment type of shot,” Ricky Ponting said on 7 Cricket.
Earlier, former India captain and legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar had said that Rohit might retire if he fails to score runs in Melbourne and Sydney. Gavaskar made the comment during the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at Gabba, Brisbane.
“I think Rohit obviously will get the opportunity to play in the next couple of matches, that’s for sure. But maybe at the end of it, if he hasn’t scored runs, my feeling is that he himself will take the call,” he had said while doing commentary for ABC Sport.
“He’s a very conscientious cricketer, he will not want to be a burden on the team. He’s a cricketer who cares very deeply for Indian cricket. So if he doesn’t score runs in the next couple of games, I think he himself will step down,” he added.
Rohit Sharma is finished: India captain told to ‘retire’, hand over leadership to Bumrah as fans lose patience
After a disappointing performance by the Indian cricket team, fans have begun calling for captain Rohit Sharma to step down and retire from the game. The team’s recent series loss has left supporters frustrated and impatient, with many believing that it is time for a change in leadership.
Rohit Sharma, who took over the captaincy from Virat Kohli earlier this year, has failed to deliver the results that fans had hoped for. Despite his success as a player, many believe that he is not the right man to lead the team and that it is time for a new captain to take charge.
Some fans have even gone as far as to suggest that fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah should be handed the captaincy, citing his leadership qualities and impressive performances on the field. They believe that Bumrah has the potential to lead the team to success and that it is time for a fresh start.
As the calls for Rohit Sharma to step down grow louder, it remains to be seen how the Indian cricket board will respond. Will Rohit Sharma choose to retire from the game and hand over the reins to Bumrah, or will he fight to prove his critics wrong? Only time will tell.
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Australia announced a formidable 14-member Women’s Ashes squad on Saturday. Sophie Molineux, a spin bowling all-rounder, is out because of a knee issue. According to Australian women’s physiotherapist Kate Beerworth, Molineux will have surgery on her left knee and a call will be made when she returns. During the home series against India, the left-arm spinner suffered an injury. For the three-match T20I series, Grace Harris will be the lone addition to the team.
Cricket Australia’s national selector on the Australian squad
Cricket Australia’s Head of Performance and National Selector, Shawn Flegler, expressed satisfaction with the team’s recent results against New Zealand and India. Alyssa Healy’s comeback against the White Ferns, after missing the series against India, also delighted him.
“We’re pleased with how the side performed in recent series against India and New Zealand and are confident we have a balanced squad capable of retaining the Ashes. It was pleasing to see Alyssa Healy return to action against New Zealand and looked in good touch, along with a number of batters continuing their strong form on from the recent series against India,” Fleger said.
The selector also praised Georgia Voll, who recently made her debut in the ODI series against India.
“Whilst Georgia Voll didn’t play against New Zealand, she’s made a brilliant start to her international career and will be a strong option with the bat if required in her debut Ashes series,” said the selector
The much-awaited Women’s Ashes series is all set to start on January 12 with a three-match ODI series. The last two ODIs will be played on January 14 and 17. Then it will be the time for the T20I series which will also feature three matches and will be played on January 20, 23 and 25. The Day-Night Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground will conclude the iconic series and will start on starts on January 30.
The Australian women’s cricket team has announced their 14-member squad for the upcoming New Year match, but there is a major blow as a star player has been ruled out due to a knee injury suffered against India.
The team will be missing the services of [Star Player] who sustained a knee injury during the recent series against India. Her absence will surely be felt as she is a key player in the team’s lineup.
Despite this setback, the team is confident in the abilities of the players selected for the squad and are determined to put on a strong performance in the upcoming match.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the match and are hopeful that the team will be able to overcome this hurdle and come out victorious.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Australian women’s cricket team and their upcoming matches.
India vs Australia 4th Test, Day 3 Highlights: The play on Day 3 had to be abruptly called-off due to heavy rain Melbourne. Walking in at the fall of the team’s sixth wicket with just 191 on the board in reply to Australia’s first innings total of 474 all out, the 21-year-old Nitish Reddy made an unbeaten 105 off 176 balls, and was involved in a record partnership of 127 for the eighth wicket with Washington Sundar (50). Thanks to their stand, India not only avoided the follow-on but also managed to inch closer to the Australian total after starting the day 310 runs in arrears and with their top five batters back in dressing room. At stumps, India were trailing the hosts by 116 runs. (Scorecard)
Here are the Highlights of India vs Australia 4th Test Day 3:
12:22 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Stumps
The official confirmation is out and this marks the end of play on Day 3 of the ongoing fourth Test between India and Australia in Melbourne. At Stumps, India’s score read 358/9 as the visitors still trail by 116 runs. Nitish Kumar Reddy (105*) and Mohammed Siraj (2*) are standing unbeaten at the crease. On Day 3, India lost the wickets of Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar. However, the partnership between Sundar and Reddy brought India back into the game. For Australia, skipper Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc scalped three wickets each while Nathan Lyon scalped two wickets.
12:18 (IST)
12:11 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: It’s raining
AHH!!! The conditions are turning from bad to worse as it has started to rain in Melbourne again. The covers have been brought up. It is highly unlikely to have any more today. However, we need to wait for the official confirmation.
12:06 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Here’s what Reddy’s father told Adam Gilchrist
“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. (On what were his emotions when Nitish was on 99 with one one wicket remaining) I was very tensed. Only the last wicket was remaining.”
12:04 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Reddy gets standing ovation from Team India
As Nitish Reddy walks back to the dugout during the halt, the entire Indian team welcomes him with a great applause. The likes of skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and other give a standing ovation to Reddy and congratulated him for his maiden Test century for India.
11:59 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Bad light stops play
UHH HOOO!!! As we were celebrating Nitish Kumar Reddy’s maiden Test century for India, the play gets halted due to poor light at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The overcast conditions are high and the officials have to take this call. The players have gone off field. India’s score read 358/9 with Reddy (105*) and Mohammed Siraj (2*) standing unbeaten at the crease.
11:55 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Reddy joins another elite list
Youngest at the time of maiden Test century for India in Australia
18y 256d Sachin Tendulkar Sydney 1992
21y 92d Rishabh Pant Sydney 2019
21y 216d Nitish Reddy Melbourne 2024
22y 46d Dattu Phadkar Adelaide 1948
11:48 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Reddy hits ton
CENTURY!!! Nitish Kumar Reddy hits a boundary off Scott Boland’s delivery and completes his century in style. It is his maiden century for India in the longest format and he brings it up in 171 balls. The entire stadium is giving an applause as the young all-rounder reaches the triple figures for the first time in Test cricket. The Indian camp is also celebrating the moment. A very important knock for India as it came at very crucial moment.
IND 354/9 (114.3 overs)
11:46 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: OUT
OUT!!! Pat Cummins strikes again and this time, he dismisses Jasprit Bumrah for duck. All eyes are now on Mohammed Siraj as he needs to survive three deliveries of Pat Cummins, in order to give Nitish Kumar Reddy complete his maiden century.
IND 350/9 (113.3 overs)
11:36 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: OUT
OUT!!!! After a lengthy partnership, India lose their eighth wicket as Washington Sundar departs for 50. Despite showing a cautious approach, Sundar falls into the trap of Nathan Lyon. Sundar tries to go for a defensive hit but the ball hits the thick edge and Steve Smith takes an excellent catch at the slip. A strong partnership between Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy comes at an end.
IND 348/8 (112 overs)
11:29 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: 1 run off the over
The Australian bowlers are desperate to break the strong partnership between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar. The duo is creating a lot of trouble for Australia with their approach. However, they are also being careful and scored only one run in the previous over of Scott Bolan. Australia need a wicket at the earliest, in order to bounce back in the game.
IND 347/7 (111 overs)
11:19 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Reddy achieves historic 1st
FOUR!!! WOAHH!!! Nitish Reddy hits a boundary and becomes the first Indian batter at No 8 position to breach the 90-run mark. Terrific batting from Reddy as he inches closer towards his maiden Test century for India. He only needs six runs more to achieve this feat.
IND 345/7 (108 overs)
11:16 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Sundar hits 50
FIFTY!!! Washington Sundar takes a single off Nathan Lyon’s delivery and completes his half-century in style. It is his fourth half-century for India in the longest format and he brings it up in 146 balls. A brilliant partnership is going on between Sundar and Nitish Reddy as Australia’s lead is slowly decreasing.
IND 341/7 (107.5 overs)
11:04 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Reddy joins elite list
Highest score batting at #8 or below for India in Australia
88* Nitish Reddy Melbourne 2024
87 Anil Kumble Adelaide 2008
81 Ravindra Jadeja Sydney 2019
67* Kiran More Melbourne 1991
67 Shardul Thakur Brisbane 2021
11:04 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Reddy surpasses Kumble
AND HE HAS DONE IT!!!! Nitish Kumar Reddy finally takes a single and achieves the historic. He has now registered the maximum runs by an Indian batter at No 8 position in Australia. He has surpassed the record set by the legendary India spinner Anil Kumble. Terrific batting the duo of Reddy and Washington Sundar.
IND 338/7 (104 overs)
10:56 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Reddy-Sundar create history
WOW!!! The duo of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar have created history in Melbourne. So far, they have stitched a 110-run partnership, which is the highest for eighth wicket by India in Australia. Great batting from the duo as India continue to fight.
IND 331/7 (102 overs)
10:49 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Maiden over
The extended rain-break has resulted in the break of momentum for India. The partnership between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar, which was going on a fiery note, has now slowed down. Both the batters are showing cautious approach in the game and carefully moving ahead. The previous over from Mitchell Starc also goes for a maiden.
IND 328/7 (101 overs)
10:39 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Reddy on cusp of historic record
Currently batting at 85, if Nitish Reddy scores three more runs, he will register the highest score by an Indian batter at No 8 position in Australia. He will surpass the record set by the legendary India spinner Anil Kumble. Apart from this, Reddy is also eyeing his maiden Test century for India.
IND 326/7 (98 overs)
10:31 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: 3rd session begins
Hello and welcome to the third session on Day 3 of the fourth Test between India and Australia in Melbourne. Before rain interrupted the second session, India’s score read 326/7 in 97 overs with Nitish Kumar Reddy (85*) and Washington Sundar (40*) standing unbeaten at the crease. The second session had been phenomenal for visitors as they scored 82 runs in 24 overs without the loss of a wicket. In the final session, the duo will look to remain unbeaten and help India take the lead.
10:22 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Play to resume at 10:30 AM
And the official statement has been released. The match officials have done the inspection and they are convinced that the ground the ready for play. The match is now going to resume at 10:30 AM with the third session.
10:10 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Rain stopped, umpires out for inspection
We finally have some good news for all the fans out there as the rain has stopped n Melbourne. The covers have been removed and the match officials have finally moved on the ground to do a quick inspection. The match shall resume soon.
09:55 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Start of 3rd session delayed
AHHH!!! The conditions have not improved yet as the rain is still on. The covers are intact at their place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and players are their respective dressing rooms. The tea break time is over and there’s still no update regarding the resumption of the match. All we can do is just wait for an official update from the ground.
09:40 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Covers still on
As per the latest visuals, the covers are still on and the wait continues. There’s no still official confirmation regarding the resumption of the game. However, stay tuned with us for all the live updates.
09:27 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Bad light stops play! Tea break
UUHH HOOO!!! As were discussing about Nitish Reddy’s potential upcoming century, the play gets halted due to bad light at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The overcast conditions and slight drizzle have forced the umpires to take such a call and this also marks the end of the second session. At Tea, India’s score read 326/7, trailing by 148 runs.
09:22 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Reddy on fire, eyes maiden ton
WOAHHH!!!! Nitish Reddy has switched on his fiery mode and is fearlessly attacking every Australian bowler. In the previous over of Mitchell Marsh, he hammers two back-to-back boundaries as the Australia all-rounder concedes nine runs. Reddy is currently batting at 85 and inching closer towards his maiden century. A very memorable moment of his career is approaching.
IND 324/7 (96 overs)
09:14 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Sundar nears 50
Just like Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar is also dealing in boundaries and keeping the momentum on India’s side. In the previous over of Mitchell Starc, Sundar fearlessly unleashes a boundary and breaches the 35-run mark. He is now inching closer towards his fifty.
IND 315/7 (95 overs)
09:10 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: FOUR
FOUR!!!! Nitish Kumar Reddy is just unstoppable today and smashing boundaries regularly. This time, he once again takes on Nathan Lyon and hammers a fiery boundary. Reddy makes a good use of wrists and smashes it over extra cover. The fielder at the long-off tries his best but the ball just comfortably races across the boundary line for a four.
IND 311/7 (94 overs)
09:00 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: 300 up for India
The fiery partnership between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar have took India’s score across the 300-run mark. The Australian bowlers are now desperately waiting to scalp a wicket at the earliest, in order to bounce back in the game. However, India still need to bat for a long duration to take a lead.
IND 302/7 (92 overs)
08:52 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Historic record
Nitish Kumar Reddy hits another very good looking shot. Of a fuller ball by Boland, Reddy uses full face of his bat and drives the ball past the bowler for a four. The unbeaten 77-run stand is now the highest 8th wicket partnership for India against Australia at the MCG. The last record was Tiger Pataudi and Surti’s.
08:35 (IST)
India vs Australia Day 3 live: Bat for long
India trail by less than 200 runs now. The aim should now be to bat as long as possible. The closer India gets to Australia’s total the better. It will give India a major chance of pulling out something out of this Test match. But one man who deserves all the appreciation is Nitish Kumar Reddy. HIs emergence has given a second top fast bowling allrounder after Hardik Pandya
08:25 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: India escape follow-on
AND INDIA HAVE DONE IT!!!! The partnership between Nitish Reddy and Washington Sundar has helped the visitors escape the follow-on. In the previous over of Pat Cummins, the duo scores five runs as India have changed the momentum of the game. As soon as India escape the follow-on, the fans in the stands wave the tri-colour flag to celebrate the moment.
IND 275/7 (84 overs)
08:21 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Reddy hits 50
FIFTY!!! Nitish Kumar Reddy hits a boundary off Mitchell Starc’s delivery and completes his half-century in style. It is his maiden half-century for India in the longest format and he brings it up in 81 balls. Reddy takes this moment and celebrates his maiden fifty by doing Allu Arjun’s famous pose from movie Pushpa. His celebration leaves the spectators and commentators awestruck.
IND 268/7 (82.3 overs)
08:13 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Sundar survives again
WOW!!! Washingston Sundar gets another crucial lifeline as India’s hunt for runs continues. Sundar looks to flick on Mitchell Starc’s delivery and the bottom hand comes off the bat handle, the ball hits the back side of the bat and flies low to second slip. Steve Smith dives across to his right with one hand and does not hang on.
IND 261/7 (80.3 overs)
07:59 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: 3 runs off the over
The duo of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar is rotating the strike regularly. In the previous over of Travis Head, the duo scores three runs. Australia are desperately looking to break this strong partnership, in order to maintain their dominance in the game.
IND 259/7 (78 overs)
07:53 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: 250 up for India
250 up for India!!!! The partnership between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar is taking India ahead in the game. In the previous over of Nathan Lyon, the duo scores six runs. With this, India have gone past the 250-run mark. However, India are still under the follow-on threat.
IND 253/7 (75 overs)
07:43 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: 2nd session begins
Hello and welcome to the second session on Day 3 of the fourth Test between India and Australia in Melbourne. Before going for Lunch, India’s score read 244/7 in 73 overs with Nitish Kumar Reddy (40*) and Washington Sundar (5*) standing unbeaten at the crease. In this session, Reddy will look to convert his score into a half-century and take his partnership deeper with Washington Sundar. This is crucial session as India need to survive, in order to escape the follow-on. Let’s play!
07:04 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Lunch
This marks the end of the first session on Day 3 of the fourth Test between India and Australia in Melbourne. At Lunch, India’s score read 244/7 in 73 overs with Nitish Kumar Reddy (40*) and Washington Sundar (5*) standing unbeaten at the crease. Currently, the visitors are trailing by 230 runs and need 31 runs to avoid the follow-on. In the first session, India lost the wickets of Rishabh Pant (28) and Ravindra Jadeja (17).
07:02 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Reddy nears 50
As long as Nitish Reddy is standing unbeaten, India are very much in the game. He is confidently taking on every Australian bowler and taking Team India ahead in the match. In the previous over of Travis Head, he hits a terrific boundary and breaches the 40-run mark. He is now inching closer towards his half-century and also getting a good support from Washington Sundar.
IND 243/7 (72 overs)
06:55 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Luck favours Sundar
WOAH!!! That was close and Washington Sundar gets a crucial lifeline. Facing a shortish delivery from Pat Cummins, Sundar tries to go for a defensive shot but the ball misses the bat and hits the glove. Looks like a simple catch but it falls just before wicketkeeper Alex Carey and Sundar remains in the game.
IND 232/7 (69.5 overs)
06:47 (IST)
IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 3, Live: Maiden over
Along with boundaries and singles, Indian duo of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar is also showing a cautious approach and carefully taking India ahead in the game. The previous over from Pat Cummins goes maiden as the Indian batters are looking for a perfect opportunity to hit boundaries. India still need 46 runs to avoid the follow-on.
IND 229/7 (68 overs)
Topics mentioned in this article
India vs Australia 4th Test, Day 3 Highlights: Nitish Reddy Hits Historic Ton, Play Gets Called-Off Due To Rain
In a thrilling turn of events on Day 3 of the 4th Test match between India and Australia, Nitish Reddy made history by scoring a magnificent century. The young batsman displayed great skill and determination as he reached his milestone, becoming the first Indian player to achieve this feat in a Test match against Australia.
However, just as the match was reaching an intense climax, the weather gods had other plans. Rain started pouring down heavily, forcing the umpires to call off play for the day. The players had no choice but to retreat to the dressing rooms, leaving the fans eagerly waiting for the action to resume on Day 4.
Despite the interruption, Nitish Reddy’s remarkable innings will be remembered as a standout moment in the series. His performance not only boosted India’s chances in the match but also showcased his talent and potential as a future star in Indian cricket.
As the teams prepare to resume play on Day 4, the excitement and anticipation among fans are at an all-time high. Will India be able to capitalize on Nitish Reddy’s heroics and secure a victory against Australia? Only time will tell, so stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling Test match.
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India vs Australia 4th Test, Day 3 Highlights, Nitish Reddy, Historic Ton, Play Called-Off, Rain Delay, Test match, Cricket, India cricket team, Australia cricket team, Nitish Reddy century, Match highlights, Rain interruption
As India’s tour of Australia has worn on, the coverage has become preoccupied with fading veterans – Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli – and speculation about whether somebody’s decent score is a last hurrah, or if a lack of one is a terminal sign. A preoccupation with whether body language or temper tantrums or patterns of dismissal mean one thing or another, whether any of these interpretations can tell us how much longer they can push on, or how close to the end they might be.
Sport obsesses about retirements, about endings. Will a player will finish on their terms or carry on too long? God forbid they are forced out too soon. Perhaps these are symbolic little deaths, a way to come to grips with the idea in life. The sporting version of kids getting a rabbit or a budgie. But the tendency strays into the ghoulish, hanging noses over the fence to stare at great players and waiting for them to drop. The enjoyment of what a player does can be lost in wondering what they might do next.
So while the focus has been on the elders, it only became clear during the fourth Test in Melbourne that the story of this series is being written by the young. There was Sam Konstas on day one, wowing the crowd in his brief but furious attacking burst, then Nitish Kumar Reddy on day three, with an innings of far more significance and substance to reach his first Test century. At 358 for nine answering Australia’s 474, he has taken India from almost certain defeat to some hope of salvation.
From his debut a month ago, Reddy immediately showed signs that he has what it takes. Only 21, he already had a name for himself in India after some huge scores in age-group cricket and a good IPL season with the bat earlier this year, though his seam bowling got smashed. Meanwhile, his handful of first-class fixtures for domestic minnow state Andhra have been underwhelming with the bat but encouraging with the ball. Fortunately, India’s selectors divined enough to get him into the squad and then into the XI to start the series.
Starting his tour in Perth, Reddy had the range to top score with 41 in the first innings when India were sunk, last man out, then punch the bruise in the second innings when India had got on top, 38 not out from 27 balls. In Adelaide, top score again, both innings, with 42. No support again, last man out and then second last. Even in Brisbane where he only made 16, he batted an hour and a quarter as India ground towards avoiding the follow-on, key to them escaping with a draw.
So in Melbourne it was a similar story: trailing by 283 on the first innings when he came in at six wickets down. He had the same advantage as he had enjoyed in most of his innings, namely a free hit given India’s precarious position. Yet, this time, he had something new: a partner with proper batting credentials in Washington Sundar.
India’s Nitish Kumar Reddy smashes Nathan Lyon for six on day three of the fourth Test against Australia. Photograph: Santanu Banik/Speed Media/REX/Shutterstock
The pacing of Reddy’s innings was measured beautifully. Even so far behind the game, he made it a point immediately to be busy, looking to work shots into gaps rather than just defend. He called loudly and ran hard, often completing threes and at one point a four. He wasn’t fussed about boundaries, hitting only a few in his first half-century, though as in Perth he made a point of dynamic footwork to Nathan Lyon, sometimes defending on the march but at one point lofting him for six.
Most impressive was his handling of pace, surviving Pat Cummins’ hostility and Scott Boland’s probing. Cummins used the short ball in a fashion that seemed all the more nasty for how much it was measured, snorting a couple per over up armpits and nostrils in a visceral display, in between pitching further up to beat edges repeatedly. Reddy took the hits, rode the bounce, kept some down and let some pass with a stylish sway away. His physical presence was about showing that he was up to the challenge.
It was tough, all day long, through the wicketless second session and deep into the third. Reddy had a few moments of luck, including a bizarre leading edge from an attempted leg glance that somehow flew behind the batter in exactly the opposite direction, to second slip. Smith was so flummoxed by it finding him there that he couldn’t hang on. But mostly Reddy was the one in control, fighting to stay there every ball. It never got easy, but he never wavered.
At least until reaching 97, when his stoic partner Washington was finally out for an even 50. Suddenly nerves packed the stadium. With significantly more than 80,000 people at the MCG for the third day running, these doubts reflected in the player. Reddy turned down singles that would have exposed Jasprit Bumrah and obviously didn’t have a clear enough chat before the last ball of an over, when Bumrah ran a panicked two instead of the single that would have kept the senior man on strike.
This gave Cummins a full over at Bumrah, who duly nicked the third ball, prompting bedlam as Reddy was reunited with Siraj. India’s jack managed to defend his stumps for the final three balls, and as much as Australian supporters had been roaring for the wicket, the roar of appreciation when Reddy smoked a straight four was even louder. Applause and respect for the skill and courage of a young star on the rise.
Nathan Lyon looks on as Steve Smith takes the catch to dismiss India’s Washington Sundar. Photograph: Martin Keep/AFP/Getty Images
The only thing sport coverage loves as much as retirements is arrivals. Getting into a lather about young players, the thrill of the new. Most of them aren’t able to stay at the top. Washington was that guy for India last time, in Brisbane 2021, and has barely played since. Australia in recent years celebrated young openers in Matthew Renshaw, Cameron Bancroft, Will Pucovski, all of whom have now vanished from the Test arena.
Reddy’s career from here might be anything. His time might be long or short. What we can say is that his work on this day was astonishing, a kid who recently received his 21st birthday key using it to unlock his method. The skill, the composure, and the degree of difficulty, means it’s an innings that should sit in the top tier of MCG centuries. From here who knows? Resuming on 105 on the fourth morning, Siraj might help him add a few more. At 116 runs behind, India are not entirely out of this match.
In a thrilling match against Australia, Nitish Kumar Reddy showcased his exceptional talent and skill, scoring a magnificent century to lead India to victory. With this stellar performance, Reddy has undoubtedly become a beacon of hope for Indian cricket fans, especially as the team faced a temporary stall in their run chase.
Reddy’s innings was nothing short of brilliant, displaying impeccable technique, composure under pressure, and an unwavering determination to succeed. His ability to adapt to different situations and play with a mix of aggression and patience was truly commendable, earning him the praise of fans and critics alike.
As India continues to strive for success on the international cricket stage, players like Nitish Kumar Reddy are proving to be instrumental in the team’s quest for glory. With his remarkable skills and match-winning performances, Reddy has certainly blossomed into a key player for India, instilling hope and confidence in fans across the country.
As we celebrate Reddy’s incredible century and India’s triumph over Australia, let us look forward to more stellar performances from this talented cricketer and the rest of the Indian team. The future of Indian cricket is indeed bright, and players like Nitish Kumar Reddy are leading the way towards greater success and glory on the cricket field.
