AUS vs IND 4th Test Day 3: Nitish Reddy, Washington Sundar Resist Australia’s Bowling Fury
On Day 3 of the fourth Test at the MCG, India faced Australia. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar showed great grit. A tough eighth-wicket stand of 127 runs kept India in the game after early setbacks.
AUS vs IND Highlights: Pant, Jadeja Fall Early
India began Day 3 at 164/5, with overnight batter Rishabh Pant looking to build on his innings. However, Pant fell early for 28. He tried a scoop shot off Scott Boland. It led to a leading-edge catch by Nathan Lyon.
Shot of the day! 🤌#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 4th Test, Day 3 | LIVE NOW! | #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/xkqiT2X2PV
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 28, 2024
Ravindra Jadeja also failed to make an impact. He scored just 17 before Lyon trapped him lbw. At 221/7, India looked in deep trouble, still trailing by a massive 253 runs.
AUS vs IND Highlights: Nitish Reddy and Sundar’s 127-Run Stand
Just when it seemed India’s innings might collapse, 21-year-old Nitish Kumar Reddy, alongside all-rounder Washington Sundar, staged a remarkable fightback.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy: He played a counter-attacking knock. It was his maiden century, beating his previous best Test score of 42.
- Washington Sundar: Anchored the innings with a patient 50 off 162 balls, his fourth Test half-century.
Their 127-run partnership, lasting over 47 overs, frustrated Australia’s bowlers: Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, and Scott Boland.
AUS vs IND Highlights: Nitish Reddy Brings Up Maiden Test Century
In the final session, Nitish Kumar Reddy continued to defy the Australian attack. After Sundar fell to Lyon’s sharp bounce late in the day, Reddy was running out of partners. Bumrah had been out for a three-ball duck by Cummins.
Nitish Kumar Reddy hits his maiden Test century and receives a standing ovation from the MCG crowd ❤️ #AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/Vbqq5C26gz
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 28, 2024
However, Mohammed Siraj managed to fend off Cummins to give Reddy the strike. The young star reached his maiden Test ton in style, lofting Scott Boland for a boundary.
Stumps: India 358/9, Trail by 116 Runs
The day ended with India at 358/9 after 116 overs, still trailing Australia by 116 runs. Reddy was unbeaten, a bright hope for India with 105*. Siraj survived alongside him. Bad light forced an early stumps, leaving all eyes on Day 4 to see if India’s lower order can bridge the gap.
Key Takeaways from Day 3
- Nitish Kumar Reddy: Scored his maiden Test century (105*) to keep India in the game.
- Washington Sundar: Played a crucial supporting role with his 50 off 162 balls.
- Australian Bowling: Nathan Lyon took key wickets. Pat Cummins and Scott Boland consistently challenged the Indian batters.
- India’s Position: 116 runs behind Australia, with one wicket left.
