A resolute maiden Test century by Nitish Kumar Reddy, achieved alongside No. 11 Mohammed Siraj, spearheaded a remarkable Indian fightback at the MCG, offering hope of staving off defeat in the fourth Test despite Australia maintaining a strong position with a likely first-innings lead.
The Australian bowlers maintained consistent lines and lengths, but the duo handled them skillfully, showing respect when necessary. Reddy capitalized on scoring opportunities with some elegant strokes, underlining his potential. He reached his maiden Test fifty and continued to bat with confidence. Despite Australia trying various strategies, including altering field placements, changing angles, and using the short-ball tactic, Reddy and Sundar had answers for everything.
Nathan Lyon eventually broke the 127-run partnership after Washington Sundar reached his fifty, ending a resilient stand. Jasprit Bumrah departed for a duck, leaving Nitish Kumar Reddy to soldier on with just one wicket in hand. Mohammed Siraj survived a testing spell, allowing Reddy to notch up his maiden Test century with a boundary. However, rain interrupted play for the second time, and this time it refused to relent.
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Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Heroic Ton Keeps India in the Hunt
India has staged a remarkable comeback after being in trouble at 191/6. Pant’s early dismissal and Jadeja’s inability to make an impact put the team under pressure. However, Nitish Reddy stepped up in a challenging situation. Displaying excellent composure, he played each ball on its merit. Washington Sundar provided solid support from the other end, ensuring the fightback stayed on track.
Reddy, who had demonstrated his batting abilities earlier in the series, arrived at the crease early on the third morning following Rishabh Pant’s controversial dismissal. By the time bad light and rain halted play early, Reddy remained unbeaten, having partnered with Washington Sundar in a crucial 127-run stand over nearly 48 overs, stalling Australia’s momentum when they seemed poised to dominate the game.
Reddy’s crowning moment came under immense pressure after Washington Sundar’s dismissal. A mix-up with Jasprit Bumrah while attempting a second run off the last ball of an over left the No. 10 exposed to Pat Cummins, who promptly found the edge to slip, leaving Reddy stranded at the non-striker’s end on 99. The tension soared as Mohammed Siraj managed to fend off three deliveries from Cummins, drawing loud cheers from Indian supporters.
Facing Scott Boland in the next over, Reddy defended two balls before unleashing a brilliant lofted straight drive to reach a sublime century—just the second of his first-class career. His father, present in the crowd and visibly emotional, joined the Indian fans in celebrating this unforgettable milestone.
Rain Delays and India’s Resistance Narrow Australia’s Advantage
When the players left the field for the second time—rain having earlier forced an early tea—Australia’s advantage had been reduced to just 116 runs. This was a significant turnaround from the commanding position they held at 221 for 7 before lunch. While Australia will still aim for a three-figure lead, they may now find themselves racing against time to secure victory on a true pitch that has shown little wear and tear.
The second evening had ended with Australia seizing 3 for 6, including the contentious run out of Yashasvi Jaiswal, a decision still sparking debate when play resumed with India trailing by 310 runs. Rishabh Pant provided a brisk start on the third morning but fell in dramatic fashion, attempting an audacious scoop off Scott Boland that resulted in a leading edge to deep third. In a Test where Sam Konstas’ scoops had dazzled, Pant’s misjudged effort highlighted the risks of the shot.
Reddy and Washington Steady India After Jadeja’s Dismissal
Ravindra Jadeja adopted a defensive approach during his innings before falling to a brilliant delivery from Nathan Lyon, who skidded one through to trap him lbw. It was only Lyon’s fourth wicket of the series, but with his later dismissal of Washington Sundar using extra bounce, he could still play a pivotal role. When Jadeja departed, India were 253 runs behind, with the immediate goal being to avoid the follow-on, though Cummins was unlikely to enforce it.
Reddy brought a positive mindset to the crease, quickly surpassing Jadeja’s score despite his partner’s 35-ball advantage. Soon after Lyon removed Jadeja, Reddy confidently stepped down the track to launch the offspinner straight for six. His fifty was brought up in style with a crisp back-foot drive off Mitchell Starc, showcasing the technique of a player destined for higher batting positions as his career progresses.
Meanwhile, Washington Sundar, a key figure in India’s historic 2021 Gabba triumph, played with caution. His first and only boundary came after 103 deliveries, an exquisite drive through point off Starc. The decision to include extra all-rounders over Shubman Gill had sparked much debate, but their contributions with the bat did plenty to validate the selection.
Fortune, Concerns, and Drama Define Day Three at the MCG
Washington Sundar enjoyed a slice of luck early in the second new ball’s spell when an attempted leg-side flick off Mitchell Starc ricocheted off the back of his bat. The ball flew toward second slip, where Steven Smith, caught off guard, dived to his right but couldn’t hold on to the unexpected chance.
Australia faced a brief scare later when Starc appeared to strain his back mid-over. However, he managed to recover and continued bowling at a lively pace, though he finished the day wicketless after a 25-over spell, adding to the mounting workload for the Australian quicks ahead of the Sydney Test. Mitchell Marsh was brought on for a spell around an extended tea break. While his 120kph medium pace posed little threat, it did help stem the scoring during the early part of the final session.
The eighth-wicket stand between Washington and Reddy remained solid until Nathan Lyon produced a sharp, bouncing delivery that took the shoulder of Washington’s bat, with Smith safely pouching the chance at slip. With Reddy unbeaten on 97, the stage was set for the most gripping moments of the day to unfold.
Australia vs India 4th Test Summary
Australia: 474 (Smith 140, Labuschagne 72, Konstas 60, Khawaja 57, Cummins 49; Bumrah 4-99, Jadeja 3-78, Akash Deep 2-94)
India: 358 for 9 (Reddy 105*, Washington 50; Boland 3-57, Cummins 3-86) trail Australia 474 by 116 runs
Looking Ahead to Day 4
India has narrowed the deficit to just 116, a significant achievement given the earlier situation. The pitch appears to have improved as the match has progressed, offering hope for the final pair to add crucial runs on the fourth morning. With the weather forecast looking clear and an early start scheduled at 10:00 am local time (4:30 am IST), all three results remain possible.
Australia remains in a commanding position with ample time to push for a victory, but the efforts of Reddy and Sundar have kept the game intriguingly poised. Day four promises more twists in this fascinating contest, with the series on the line.
Join us tomorrow for more of this captivating contest. See you then!
FAQs
What was the turning point for India on Day 3?
India’s resilience came through a 127-run partnership between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar, which helped reduce the deficit. Reddy also scored his maiden Test century, providing hope for India.
How did the weather affect play on Day 3?
Rain interrupted play twice on Day 3, with the second interruption lasting longer, limiting the amount of play. However, the forecast for Day 4 looks clear.
What is the current status of the game heading into Day 4?
India trails by 116 runs with one wicket remaining, but the pitch has improved, and the final pair will aim to add more runs. All three results are still possible.
When does play begin on Day 4?
Play will begin at 10:00 am local time (4:30 am IST) on Day 4.
What are Australia’s chances of winning?
Australia is still in a dominant position with plenty of time to convert their lead into a win, but Reddy and Sundar’s resistance has kept India in the game.
