NEW DELHI: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar on Saturday hailed young star Nitish Kumar Reddy following his maiden Test century against Australia on Saturday in Melbourne.
Reddy’s performance helped India reach 358 for 9 on rain-affected third day of the fourth Test.
The all-rounder received applause at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as he reached 105 not out before bad light and rain forced early stumps.
“A knock to remember by Nitish. He has impressed me right from the 1st Test, and his composure and temperament have been on display throughout. Today he took it a notch higher to play a crucial innings in this series. Wonderfully and ably supported by Washington Sundar as well. Well played!” shared Tendulkar on his X account.
Reddy and Mohammed Siraj, who is on two, will resume their partnership on Sunday.
India still trail Australia’s first-innings total by 116 runs.
Earlier, Australia had hoped to build a larger lead after scoring 474. However, Reddy and Washington Sundar, who contributed 50 runs, thwarted their plans.
The pair forged a 127-run partnership for the eighth wicket.
Reddy reached his century just before the rain interruption. He lofted Scott Boland over mid-on for a boundary, drawing cheers from a large Indian contingent among the record 83,073 spectators. Reddy’s innings was characterised by solid defence and elegant strokeplay. He faced 176 balls, hitting 10 fours and one six.
The 21-year-old has continued his impressive batting form at number eight throughout his debut Test series.
Reddy has so far accumulated 284 runs in his six Test innings — the highest by any Indian player in this series, at an average of 71.
