The Melbourne Cricket Ground, with a crowd of more than 83,000 people, erupted as a whole in the final session of day 3 to applaud a 21 year-old playing just the fourth match of his international career. It was Nitish Kumar Reddy who had just hit Australia's Scott Boland over mid-on to bring up his maiden international century in front of a massive crowd after rescuing his side once again in this series. The scenes at the 'G were absolutely sensational with every single person celebrating the ton as their own, Nitish's father being absolutely ecstatic in the stands with a couple of tears in his eyes, the entire Indian side cheering for the young kid and Md. Siraj- who had just survived 3 deliveries, giving a long hug to his partner at the crease. Ravi Shastri, India's great former coach couldn't hold back his tears as well in the commentary box while on air as just like the whole world, he was also seeing a masterpiece unwrap in front of his eyes. Not a single person present there, could hold back their joy, emotions and adrenaline rush, such was the aura of the mighty NKR hundred. The partnership that gave a breather to India India would have expected the pair of Jadeja and Pant to go big but unfortunately both of them fell cheaply in the first session itself. At the fall of seventh wicket, that was Jadeja, India was still trailing by a mammoth of 253 runs, with follow-on looming once again. It was then that Washington Sundar arrived at the crease and joined hands with Nitish to build a partnership. A partnership which will be found in cricket's history books whenever their pages are turned over, much like the stand that Sundar put up with Shardul Thakur at the Gabba in 2021. The south-Indian pair stitched what seemed to be an everlasting partnership of 127 runs for the 8th wicket refusing to let the Aussies gain a massive lead. The duo played out 283 balls together, tiring out the opposition bowlers to a great extent. The highlight of the stand was the insane amount of patience displayed by both of them, especially Sundar. Nitish and Sundar appeared to be on a mission to not try anything fancy and to keep going for as long as they can while playing proper cricketing shots and leaving anything and everything a tad outside off or just a bit short. Both of them looked to be the most composed batters in this Indian innings and put up a great show of grit and determination. Also Read | Maiden Test ton for Nitish Reddy: a dream fulfilled for father and son Nervous 90s... As Nitish had slowed down nearing his hundred, what made the situation worse was the wicket of Sundar when his partner was on 97. It was the last ball of Boland's over when Nitish went for a big shot over the bowler's head, managing just a top edge that just landed inches away from the mid-off fielder after the ball was in the air for an eternity. Everyone had their hearts in their mouth for a moment there. Nitish survived but he took a double, moving to 99 but giving the strike to his captain Bumrah for the next over. Here came the Aussie skipper Pat Cummins for a bowl and guess what...he dismisses his counterpart on the 3rd delivery of the over. In walks Md. Siraj at no. 11 who has had an ordinary series. With the hopes of surviving three deliveries in those overcast conditions, the burden must have felt too heavy for him. But like a brave soldier, Siraj survives- presenting the full face of his bat on Cummins' last ball. Now the only man who had to help Nitish get to his century was Nitish himself. It's the third ball of the next over, the young man stands tall and lofts it over the mid on to reach a historic milestone. India's saviour is relieved and the celebrations begin. Match starts now There are certain knocks that are remembered for ages, and some of them- are talked for a lifetime, forever inspiring younger players and giving a sense of nostalgia to the lucky people who witnessed it live. Nitish Kumar Reddy might have just played an innings of that stature on the third day of the 2024 Boxing Day test match. A scintillating knock that might have just brought India back to life. Nitish now stands as the highest run getter for India in this series and safe to say, India have found a new hero in him. India still might not have the upper hand in this game but Nitish and Sundar have definitely brought them back into this riveting contest. After a gripping and absorbing day of test cricket, India stand 116 behind Australia with NKR still at the crease. The Border Gavaskar Trophy stands still at 1-1, the World Test Championship Final spot is at stakes for both the sides and there are 6 sessions left in this match's play. Boy oh boy we do have a test match on our hands!