Australia vs India: Nitish Kumar Reddy hits hundred in fourth Test

Reddy entered this series as a relative unknown, with three T20s his only previous caps.

He won the new player award in this year’s Indian Premier League but had scored only one first-class century.

But the right-hander showed the skill and temperament of a player far beyond his years or record at the fabled MCG.

He came in after Pant was caught at deep third man, who tried audaciously to scoop Boland over his shoulder to fine leg and produced a far more measured innings.

Reddy put pressure on Australia’s bowlers with classy off-drives from the front and back foot and when he brought Nathan Lyon back over his head for his one six.

He moved to 97 without offering a chance, but after seeing his trusty partner Sundar fall, he then attempted a hack in a bid to get to three figures.

The ball narrowly clear inside the box and Reddy was able to take two – but that left Bumrah exposed to Cummins, who quickly chipped India’s vice-captain to leave the youngster helpless at the non-striker’s end.

He looked nervously at the gloomy sky as Cummins completed his over and swung his bat in celebration as Siraj defended the last ball to loud cheers from the Indian supporters in the crowd.

After reaching his century, Reddy dropped to one knee and looked skyward again, with his father now in tears as the Indian flag waved around him.