Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Breakthrough Century at the MCG
Key Takeaways:
- Maiden International Century: Nitish Kumar Reddy scored his first international century during the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
- Third Youngest Indian to Score Century in Australia: At 21 years and 216 days, Reddy became the third youngest Indian to score a century on Australian soil, following Sachin Tendulkar and Rishabh Pant.
- Historic Achievement: Reddy became the first Indian cricketer to hit eight sixes in a single Test series in Australia, equaling the record for the most sixes by a visiting batsman in a Test series on Australian soil.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Breakthrough Century at the MCG
In the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Nitish Kumar Reddy delivered a standout performance, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning cricket career.
Maiden International Century
Reddy’s innings was a masterclass in resilience and technique. Coming in at a precarious moment, he steadied the ship and reached his maiden international century, a testament to his composure under pressure. His 172-ball effort included 10 boundaries and a six, showcasing his ability to balance aggression with patience.
Third Youngest Indian to Score Century in Australia
At 21 years and 216 days, Reddy etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming the third youngest Indian to score a century on Australian soil. He joins the elite company of Sachin Tendulkar, who achieved this feat at 18 years and 253 days in 1992, and Rishabh Pant, who did so at 21 years and 92 days in 2019.
Historic Achievement
Reddy’s aggressive batting style was on full display as he became the first Indian to hit eight sixes in a single Test series in Australia. This achievement places him alongside international stalwarts Michael Vaughan and Chris Gayle, who share the record for the most sixes by a visiting batsman in a Test series on Australian soil.
Statistical Highlights
Below is a summary of Nitish Kumar Reddy’s career statistics across various formats:
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Batting Average | 100s/50s | Top Score | Wickets | Bowling Average | Best Bowling | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 4 | 5 | 179 | 44.75 | 0/1 | 85* | 3 | 41.00 | 1/21 | 1 |
| T20Is | 3 | 3 | 90 | 45.00 | 0/1 | 74 | 3 | 23.66 | 2/23 | 0 |
| First-Class | 26 | 44 | 958 | 23.36 | 1/2 | 159 | 59 | 27.69 | 5/53 | 14 |
| List A | 22 | 15 | 403 | 36.63 | 0/4 | 60* | 14 | 42.07 | 3/23 | 12 |
| T20s | 23 | 18 | 485 | 32.33 | 0/3 | 76* | 6 | 51.00 | 2/17 | 9 |
Conclusion
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s performance at the MCG underscores his potential as a valuable asset to the Indian cricket team. His ability to deliver under pressure, combined with his cultural expressions, has endeared him to fans and signifies a promising future in international cricket.
