Nitish Kumar Reddy becomes third youngest to hit test century in Australia

Nitish Kumar Reddy etched his name in cricketing history by becoming the third youngest batsman to score a hundred on Australian soil.

| Updated: 29 December, 2024 3:00 pm IST

Nitish Kumar Reddy celebrating after scoring maiden ton at the boxing day test. (Photo Illustration: Swastik Sharma)

NEW DELHI: Nitish Kumar Reddy etched his name in cricketing history with a spectacular unbeaten century against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), becoming the third youngest batsman to achieve the feat on Australian soil. At just 21 years and 214 days old, Reddy’s 105* was a masterclass of resilience and precision, ensuring India stayed competitive on the second day of the Boxing Day Test.

This accomplishment places Reddy among an elite list, trailing only Pakistan’s Nasim-ul-Ghani (17 years, 302 days in 1960) and India’s own Sachin Tendulkar (18 years, 253 days in 1992). His innings also makes him the fourth youngest Indian batter ever to score a Test century, further solidifying his rising star status in the cricketing world.

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Facing a fiery Australian attack led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc on a challenging pitch, Reddy displayed composure beyond his years. Coming in at a precarious position, he steadied the innings with partnerships that frustrated the Australian bowlers. His crisp drives and sharp footwork against the spinners were reminiscent of cricketing greats.

“I wanted to focus on my process and play each ball on its merit,” Reddy said after the day’s play. “The atmosphere at the MCG is electric, and to perform here is a dream come true.”

Reddy’s remarkable achievement places him as the fourth youngest Indian to score a Test century.

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The youngest remains Prithvi Shaw, who scored 134 on debut against the West Indies in 2018 at the age of 18 years and 319 days.

Following Shaw is the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who crafted an unbeaten 148 against Australia in Sydney in 1992 when he was 18 years and 253 days old.

Nitish Kumar Reddy becomes the fourth youngest player to score a test hundred behind Prithvi Shaw, Sachin Tendulkar and Rishabh Pant. (Photo Illustration: Swastik Sharma)

Rishabh Pant takes the third spot, having smashed an unbeaten 159 against Australia in 2019 at the age of 21 years and 91 days. Reddy, at 21 years and 214 days, now joins this elite list, further solidifying his place among Indian cricket’s brightest young talents.

The milestone places him ahead of notable names like Dattu Phadkar and Ajay Ratra, further emphasizing his precocious talent.

As India looks to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Reddy’s contribution in this series could prove pivotal, inspiring the next generation of cricketers in the process.