India vs Australia 4th Test Day 3: The action on Day 3 was abruptly halted as heavy rain forced play to be called off in Melbourne. As India pushes forward, holding on to their last lifeline, the battle rages on.
The India vs Australia Boxing Day Test reached a thrilling climax on Day 3 as Nitish Kumar Reddy’s historic maiden century kept India’s hopes alive, as it was the highlight of Day 3 in the 4th Test between India and Australia, as India reached 358/9 at stumps, still trailing by 116 runs in Melbourne. With India reduced to 9 wickets after the dismissals of Washington Sundar and Jasprit Bumrah, the match hung in the balance.
As Nitish stood on 99, the tension was palpable, but the young 21-year-old’s brilliant knock in the face of a hostile Australian crowd was a breath of fresh air for the Indian team. With Mohammed Siraj playing crucial defensive shots, the Indian camp found renewed hope. As the team heads into Day 4 at the MCG, India’s fight for survival continues – and Nitish Kumar’s resilience remains their lifeline.
Key Highlights:
- Australia’s Early Dominance: Australia had been dominant earlier, reducing India to 244/7 by lunch, with Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja dismissed cheaply. India were still trailing by 230 runs at that stage, with Australia in a commanding position.
- Reddy’s Maiden Century: Nitish Kumar Reddy’s brilliant maiden century (105* off 176 balls) spearheaded India’s recovery, while he shared a vital partnership with Washington Sundar (50). The duo’s 127-run stand for the eighth wicket not only helped India avoid the follow-on but also brought them closer to Australia’s first innings total of 474.
- Rain and Bad Light Halt Play: The day saw play interrupted by both bad light and rain, causing delays and eventually leading to early stumps. As the play concluded, India remained just 116 runs behind Australia.
- Jaiswal’s Run-Out Heartbreak: Earlier, India suffered a setback when Yashasvi Jaiswal was run out on 82 after a mix-up with Kohli. The promising partnership between the two was cut short, leaving India in a precarious situation before Reddy and Sundar’s vital stand.
India vs Australia 4th Test Day 3: Nitish Reddy’s Maiden Century and Sundar’s Half-Century Boost India’s Fight Back at MCG
Starting the day at a precarious 164/5, India suffered further setbacks as they lost a couple of wickets in the morning session. However, a crucial partnership between Nitish and Washington Sundar, who scored a vital 50, helped India recover from the early blows and get closer to Australia’s first-innings total of 474.
Earlier, Yashasvi Jaiswal played a gritty knock of 82, leading India’s fightback after Australia piled up a commanding 474 in the first innings. The Australian total was built on Steven Smith’s exceptional 140, backed by half-centuries from Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, and Usman Khawaja.
As the rain delayed play and the day concluded, India remained determined to make a comeback, with Nitish Kumar Reddy’s remarkable century providing a much-needed boost.
Australia’s Dominance on Day 3: Key Breakthroughs and Tight Bowling Keep India Under Pressure at MCG
Heading into the lunch break on Day 3 of the 4th Test between India and Australia in Melbourne, expectations were high that the Australian side would come back stronger after the interval. With India reeling at 244/7 and trailing by 230 runs, the Australian bowlers, led by Pat Cummins and Scott Boland, had been relentless in their pursuit of dismissing the Indian lower order. Australia seemed primed to capitalize on the momentum, with predictions suggesting they could quickly close out India’s innings after the break.
However, India’s lower order, led by Nitish Kumar Reddy’s stunning maiden century and a vital half-century from Washington Sundar, defied the expectations. Instead of collapsing, India managed to recover, frustrating the Australian attack and preventing an early finish. Their resilience provided a glimmer of hope for the visitors, ensuring that the fight for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy remains very much alive. Australia’s chances to build on their momentum post-lunch were kept in check by a strong partnership that proved crucial for India’s recovery.
India’s Fightback: What Lies Ahead on Day 4?
As India heads into Day 4, the pressure is mounting. With Nitish Kumar Reddy’s brilliant maiden ton and Washington Sundar’s solid fifty, India has managed to stay afloat, but the road ahead is challenging. The team will rely heavily on Reddy and Mohammed Siraj to build on their partnership and close the gap with Australia’s total. With just one wicket remaining, India’s battle is far from over, and a strong performance on the fourth day is crucial if they are to keep their hopes alive in this thrilling Test match.
