Nitish Reddy gives spin to iconic ‘I only believe in Jassi Bhai’ to acknowledge Siraj’s efforts in his first Test ton

Nitish Kumar Reddy acknowledged Mohammed Siraj’s efforts with the bat which helped him complete his maiden Test century against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Nitish held his own and helped India get back into the game after India lost Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja early on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test. Nitish remained unbeaten on 105 at stumps on Day 3 as India trail by 116 runs in the first innings.

Nitish was batting on 99 when Siraj came out to bat and he had a difficult task to face Pat Cummins who got rid of Jasprit Bumrah on the previous ball. With three balls left in the over, Cummins looked to turn around the Indian innings with the wicket of Siraj, but the tailender had other plans. The first ball, which was outside the off-stump, did no harm for India, while Siraj missed the second delivery, which was a bouncer. Cummins targeted the stumps on the last ball and Siraj patiently defended it to give Reddy a chance to complete his century in the next over.

In the next over, Reddy played it to mid-off to reach his maiden Test century with a boundary at the iconic MCG as his father became emotional in the stands. He hugged Siraj after his special knock.

After the day’s play, Reddy acknowledged Siraj’s efforts and posted an Instagram story for him.

“I also believe in Siraj bhai. @mdsirajofficial,” Reddy wrote on Instagram.

Nitish Kumar Reddy takes India to 358/9

Meanwhile, Reddy’s 105 not out and his 127-run stand for the eighth wicket with Washington (50) took India to 358 for 9 on the third day of the fourth Test. Stumps were called early due to poor light.

The 22-year-old all-rounder has been by far India’s most consistent batter in the series and the maiden Test century could not have come at a more appropriate time, and at an iconic venue too.

Earlier, India, who started the day on 164 for five, saw Rishabh Pant (28) throw away his wicket at a crucial time before Ravindra Jadeja was caught lbw for 17.

Reddy’s innings was termed as one of the greatest Test knocks by the legendary Sunil Gavaskar given the situation when India were in a precarious position after Pant’s dismissal, thanks to a rash shot had left India reeling at 191 for six.