Reddy and Washington Sundar's 285-ball, 127-run partnership was crucial in reducing Australia's deficit. A disciplined Australian bowling effort was thwarted by this pair, which gave the Indian innings steadiness. Reddy's century was matched by Sundar's 50, highlighting the significance of lower-order resilience. After the match, Sundar revealed the message from Indian captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Sundar reveals Rohit and Gambhir's message
Sundar discussed how India was inspired to keep going in the Melbourne Test by the wise words of Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir.
"One thing about Gauti bhai, Rohit bhai is they always tell us to keep fighting. No matter what the situation is, they always tell us, fight hard,” Sundar said in the post-day press conference.
Washington Sundar praises Nitish Reddy
Nitish Reddy who stole all the limelight with his astonishing hundred on Day 3 of the Boxing Test became the hero of the Indian innings. Sundar praised Reddy and said the century in MCG will be remembered forever.
Nitish Reddy is an unbelievable player. Mentally very strong. This century here at MCG will be remembered forever. Nitish is someone who gives 100% in everything. That's his motive in life. It is very pleasing for us to watch," Sundar said.
Nitish Reddy is the third youngest batter from India after Sachin Tendulkar and Rishabh Pant to hit a Test century in Australia. He is also the first Indian to bat at number 8 and hit a red-ball ton on Australian soil and the first visiting batter in history to hit a century in MCG while batting at that spot.
He was one of the most consistent players with bat for India in this series and made some crucial contributions down the order throughout this tour. However, he was unable to make those knocks big but in the Boxing Day Test at MCG, the young all-rounder smashed his maiden Test century. The Day 3 was called off early due to rain and bad light. However, India is 358/9 at stumps and they are still 116 runs behind with Nitish Reddy and Mohammed Siraj on the pitch.