IND vs AUS: The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) announced a cash prize of ₹25 lakh for young Nitish Kumar Reddy on Saturday. This reward recognizes his first Test century, which played a key role in India’s comeback during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
Andhra Cricket Association Rewards Nitish Reddy’s Milestone
21-year-old Nitish Kumar Reddy scored a determined unbeaten 105, helping India reach 358 for nine on the third day of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
“It is a fortunate day and a happiest moment for the Andhra Cricket Association. We are very happy that a boy from Andhra has been picked for the Test format and international T20 format. As an honour, on behalf of the Andhra Cricket Association, Rs 25 lakh prize money is being given to Nitish Kumar Reddy,” (ACA) President Kesineni Sivanath said.
A Century That Reshaped the Boxing Day Test
Nitish Kumar Reddy, a star player in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, once again showed his determination in the fourth Test. He built an important 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar, who scored 50 runs off 162 balls.
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Cricket legends praised Reddy’s incredible innings, with Sunil Gavaskar calling it one of the greatest knocks in India’s Test history.
Reddy’s straight drive off Scott Boland, which brought up his maiden Test century, impressed the Australian pacer and highlighted the young Indian batter’s talent.
Reddy remained unbeaten on 105, helping India reach 358 for nine in their first innings and giving the team a fighting chance to save the fourth Test.
“Yeah, obviously he’s playing really nicely. Coming in down the middle, it’s a lower-order, but he’s sort of trying to put the pressure back on us. And he’s playing nicely,” Boland replied to a query from PTI after the day’s play.
“He played really well. He’s been a young guy from India who’s come through and strikes the ball really well. It looks like he’s got pretty much every shot in the book,” he added.
Nitish Kumar Reddy remained calm despite the loss of quick wickets and took charge to bring India closer to Australia’s total. He, along with Washington Sundar, who scored a fifty, built a crucial 127-run partnership, putting the Australian team under pressure.
An Emotional Reunion at the Hotel
In a heartwarming moment, Nitish brought up his maiden Test century in front of his family. The focus shifted to his father, who was seen in tears of joy as his son achieved the milestone for the Indian cricket team in the longest format of the game.
The special day became even more emotional when Nitish’s family met him at the hotel. In a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), his father hugged him tightly, overwhelmed with happiness, and said: “Nitish played very well today, I’m proud of him. We have struggled a lot. We are thankful to the Indian cricket team.”
His sister expressed her pride, adding, “All I could say is we are very proud and very happy. My brother said it and he did it.”
The BCCI shared the video on their social media with the caption: “The Reddy family has been a bundle of emotions today. Witness the magical moment as they embrace Nitish after he wowed the world with his extraordinary maiden Test century at the MCG. A day etched in memories forever.”
Watch the video:
𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠.
The Reddy family has been a bundle of emotions today. Witness the magical moment as they embrace Nitish after he wowed the world with his extraordinary maiden Test century at the MCG.
A day etched in memories… pic.twitter.com/uz9mrASuRm
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 28, 2024
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