India’s young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy made headlines at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 28, 2024, when he scored his maiden Test century against Australia. His celebration was unique and deeply symbolic, as he knelt down, placed his bat on the ground, and hung his helmet on it, saluting the Indian flag. This heartfelt gesture was a tribute to his country and his supportive father, who was watching from the stands.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s heroics at the MCG
Reddy’s journey to his century was not an easy one. He had been stuck in the 90s for a long time, and with India losing two key wickets—Washington Sundar and Jasprit Bumrah—in quick succession, the pressure was mounting. Reddy himself seemed tense, as he was seen holding his head in his hands after the wickets fell. Just when it seemed like he would get stuck on 99, Reddy survived a close LBW call from Scott Boland. The tension at the MCG was palpable, and his father’s worried expression reflected the anxiety of the moment.
However, Reddy persevered and, with the help of Mohammed Siraj, who resisted three deliveries by Pat Cummins to allow Reddy to complete his century, he managed to hit a boundary off Boland to bring up his century on the 171st ball he faced. The stands erupted as Reddy, in front of his father, became the 10th Indian batter to score a century in the Boxing Day Test and the third-youngest Indian to do so in Australia.
𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠.
The Reddy family has been a bundle of emotions today. Witness the magical moment as they embrace Nitish after he wowed the world with his extraordinary maiden Test century at the MCG.
A day etched in memories… pic.twitter.com/uz9mrASuRm
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 28, 2024
Reflecting on his celebration, Reddy explained, “After my hundred, I planted my bat – keeping the helmet – so there is an Indian flag and saluting the flag. The biggest motivation is playing for the country, and it was memorable.” His emotional moment was made even more special when he saw his father, who was watching from the stands, wiping away tears. “I saw my father crying, I dreamt about making him proud,” Reddy shared, highlighting the personal significance behind his achievement and celebration.
Also Read: India toils hard for the final wicket as Australia extend their lead to 333 in the Boxing Day Test
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