Nitish Reddy celebrating his century on Day 3 of the fourth Test match against Australia, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, in Melbourne on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: ANI
Social media went up in applause for 22-year-old Nitish Reddy who scored an unbeaten century on the third day of the Boxing Day Test Match in the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia on Saturday.
The fact that Nitish Reddy’s debut Test century came against Australia at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground), and under challenging circumstances, has made it all the more special for both the team and the Indian team’s supporters back home.
Former stars react
Nitish has become the third youngest player from India to score his maiden Test century in Australia. He also set the highest partnership for India for the 8th wicket along with Washington Sundar in Australia, and became the first Indian cricketer to score a century Down Under at No. 8.
Congratulatory posts from former cricketers, film stars, politicians and fans flooded social media soon after Nitish crossed the triple-digit mark.
“What an innings, dear Nitish. To become the third youngest Indian to score a [maiden] Test hundred in Aus and what an occasion to do it with the team in trouble. I am sure this will be first of many. Enjoyed your positivity and fearless stroke play. Keep it up. God bless you always,” former cricketer V.V.S. Laxman posted on X.
Sachin Tendulkar too chipped in, congratulating Nitish on his achievement. “A knock to remember by Nitish. He has impressed me right from the 1st Test and his composure and temperament have been on display right through. Today he took it a notch higher to play a crucial innings in this series. Wonderfully and ably supported by @Sundarwashi5 (Washington Sundar) as well. Well played!”
Pat from CM
“Congratulations to Visakhapatnam youth K. Nitish Kumar Reddy for scoring a century in the fourth Test match of the Border Gavaskar Test Trophy 2024 against Australia in Melbourne. I sincerely wish him to achieve more such victories and to be part of the Indian cricket team and strengthen the country’s reputation,” Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said on X.
Fans and denizens flocked to Nitish’s residence to celebrate the century. While the family was in Australia for the match, scenes of jubilation were witnessed at the cricketer’s house in PM Palem in Visakhapatnam, with fans bursting firecrackers and distributing sweets.
“Nitish played beautifully against Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Scott Boland. He had only a 15% false shot rate, which is quite impressive. This century was bound to come sooner or later, but it is great that it came at a time when the team needed it most,” said M. Sharat, a fan, adding that the team management can consider promoting Nitish up the order for the next match.
Evidently a movie buff, Nitish struck a popular pose from the movie Pushpa upon reaching his half-century. After finally getting to his century, it was time for the famous pose from the Prabhas-starrer Salaar.
ACA announces reward
Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) and Visakhapatnam District Cricket Association (VDCA) heaped praise on Nitish. ACA president Kesineni Sivanadh (Chinni) announced a cash prize of ₹25 lakh for Nitish. He said that the Chief Minister will hand over the prize money soon. VDCA vice-president D.S. Varma said the VDCA would felicitate Nitish upon his arrival back home after completion of the series.
Published – December 28, 2024 07:56 pm IST
