4th Test: Sundar Commends Reddy's Exceptional Performance in Maiden Century

Melbourne, Dec 28 (NationPress) India’s off-spin all-rounder Washington Sundar expressed admiration for Nitish Kumar Reddy after he scored a memorable maiden Test century in the Boxing Day Test against Australia, emphasizing how Reddy's approach to the game was astonishing.

On the third day of play, Reddy emerged as the standout performer, contributing significantly with an outstanding 105 not out - his first Test century, leading the visitors to a score of 358/9 in 116 overs, leaving them trailing Australia by 116 runs.

With his father Mutyala among the spectators alongside other family members, Reddy executed a lofted on-drive off Scott Boland to secure his first Test hundred off 171 balls. “He’s mentally very strong. I have known him for several years. The way he conducted himself today was remarkable.”

“He identified critical phases in the game where he aimed to score boundaries. Simultaneously, he was aware of the need to endure some challenging deliveries. An incredible century that will be remembered for a very long time.”

“One thing about Nitish is that, irrespective of the situation - whether on the field or off it - he commits himself wholeheartedly. That’s his philosophy towards life, beyond just cricket. I observed his work ethics closely during the IPL, and his dedication and approach towards the game were commendable. We always sensed something special was on the horizon,” Sundar noted during the post-match press conference.

Reddy and Sundar came together at a precarious 221/7 in the first session, forming a pivotal 127-run partnership for the eighth wicket, aided by a pitch that had become more favorable.

While the impressive Reddy showcased astute strokeplay on both front and back foot, exhibiting solid defense, temperament, and composure, Sundar was equally effective, scoring a composed fifty and perfectly complementing Reddy in a crucial partnership for India.

“Gauti bhai and the support staff consistently believed in my abilities, reminding me of what I could achieve, especially at this level and in this format. Their encouragement means a lot to me and bolsters my belief that I can perform special feats for the Indian team.”

“They instill in us the importance of fighting under any circumstance, and this mindset has been ingrained in us. Regardless of our situation, we are determined to battle on. It would have been even better if I had scored additional runs without losing my wicket, but I believe we are in a solid position today,” Sundar added.

When asked about his discussions with Reddy during their partnership, Sundar mentioned their focus on navigating dangerous spells, particularly when the second new ball was introduced in the middle session.

“Facing Australia in Australia always presents challenges, which can manifest in various forms. We must be prepared to navigate these situations. I concentrated on my role in seeing off critical spells, and once we succeeded, the runs began to flow more easily.”

With two days remaining in the match, Sundar concluded by stating that India has positioned themselves well not only to avoid defeat at the MCG but also to potentially secure a victory. “I believe there is still something in this wicket for the bowlers. The overcast conditions have prevailed for most of the match so far. If we can bowl in the right areas and capitalize on our chances, I am confident we can restrict them to around 150, setting up an exciting Day 5.”