Nitish-Washington’s 105-Run Stand Helps India To Fight Back Against Australia At Melbourne Test (Day 03, Tea)

December 28, 2024: India made a solid recovery on Day 3, Tea of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Melbourne, with a crucial 105-run partnership between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar helping them to fight back against Australia’s dominance. At Tea, India stood at 326/7, trailing Australia by 148 runs.

Washington Sundar (40)* and Nitish Kumar Reddy (85)* remained unbeaten at the crease after India resumed the second session from 244/7, adding 82 runs in 24 overs without losing a wicket. Their patient and determined partnership came at a crucial time when Australia appeared to be in control of the match, and the two middle-order batters helped India avoid a collapse.

The second session saw both batsmen showing great composure. Early on, Steve Smith dropped a crucial catch off Washington Sundar at second slip. The ball edged off Sundar’s bat but was put down by Smith, a mistake he may regret as Sundar went on to build a solid knock.

In the 83rd over, Nitish Kumar Reddy reached his maiden Test fifty with a lofted shot through the vacant point region for a boundary. This milestone gave Reddy the confidence to continue building his innings. The duo’s steady progress helped India pass the follow-on mark in the 84th over, a significant achievement in the context of the game. By the 92nd over, India crossed the 300-run mark, courtesy of their vital partnership.

The two youngsters, Reddy and Sundar, have provided India with a much-needed fightback, displaying resilience and determination. Despite the deteriorating weather conditions with drizzling rain, the partnership has given India renewed hope in the match. The early tea was taken due to the rain, but the stand has significantly boosted India’s position, although they still trail by 148 runs.

Earlier in the first session of Day 3, India resumed their innings at 164/5, with Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease. Both Pant and Jadeja fought hard but found it challenging against Australia’s bowlers. There were two close calls for run-outs, one each for Pant and Jadeja, but Australia failed to capitalize on them.

Scott Boland continued his excellent performance and got rid of Rishabh Pant for 28 in the 56th over. Nitish Kumar Reddy joined Jadeja at the crease, but Jadeja fell to Nathan Lyon for 17 runs in the 65th over, leaving India at 201/7.

Despite the setbacks, the last 10 overs of the first session saw India add 30 runs, with Boland taking the only wicket. India managed to keep their momentum in the second session, largely thanks to the solid stand from Reddy and Sundar.