Australia seemed poised for a commanding first-innings lead with India struggling at 191/6, but a remarkable partnership between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar turned the tables. The resilient duo put together a brilliant 127-run stand, helping India end Day 3 at 358/9, trailing by 116 runs and denying Australia the significant advantage they had been eyeing.
The partnership between Reddy and Sundar will go down as one to remember, reminiscent of the iconic Shardul Thakur-Sundar stand at the Gabba in 2021. Over the course of 285 deliveries, the pair displayed tremendous grit and determination, refusing to cave under relentless pressure from Australia’s bowlers.
The day began with Australia in control, and that was only strengthened after Rishabh Pant threw his wicket away with an untimely shot and Ravindra Jadeja fell to Nathan Lyon’s precision. With India reeling, Reddy walked in and immediately displayed composure, playing each ball on its merit. Sundar, at the other end, offered steady support, and together they set about rebuilding the innings.
In the second session, the partnership began to blossom as both batters showcased their skill and temperament. Reddy anchored the innings with maturity, while Sundar complemented him. The pair frustrated the Australian attack by rotating the strike efficiently and capitalising on loose deliveries, chipping away at the deficit with well-timed boundaries and sharp running between the wickets.
Australia’s bowlers struggled to make a breakthrough. Pat Cummins’ short-ball strategy didn’t yield results, Mitchell Starc proved expensive, and Scott Boland and Mitchell Marsh couldn’t produce the incisive spells needed. Even Lyon, who had looked dangerous earlier, was largely neutralised by the two batters.
The hard-fought partnership finally came to an end when Sundar fell to Lyon’s sharp turn and bounce, but not before playing a crucial hand in the resistance. Nitish, however, continued undeterred, crafting a magnificent maiden Test century – becoming the first No. 8 batter to achieve the feat at the MCG. As bad light brought an early end to proceedings, India had clawed their way back into the contest.
Despite India’s fightback, Australia will still feel they hold the upper hand with a lead of 116 and just one wicket to claim. When play resumes on Sunday, Australia will aim to wrap up India’s innings quickly, while India will rely heavily on Reddy to guide the last-wicket partnership and bring the deficit under 100.