MELBOURNE, Dec 28, 2024 BSS/AFP) - Nitish Kumar Reddy scored a defiant maiden 
century on Saturday as he fought to get India back into the fourth Test 
against Australia.

To the roar of a large contingent of Indian supporters at the Melbourne 
Cricket Ground, seam bowling all-rounder Reddy reached three figures in the 
final session on day three.

The 21-year-old all-rounder was on 103 not out, with India 354-9 in response 
to Australia's 474.

Reddy took 172 balls to reach the milestone, hitting 10 fours and one six.

He lifted Scott Boland over mid-on for four to bring up three figures, having 
earlier flashed a cover drive off Mitchell Starc to the boundary to reach 50 
for the first time.

A 127-run stand with Washington Sundar fell three runs short of surpassing 
the record for India's highest eighth-wicket partnership on Australian soil.

Reddy was the aggressor as he continued the fine batting form that has marked 
his debut series.

In his first six Test innings, he has scored 282 runs at an average of just 
over 70.