India centurion eyes historic result on final day in Melbourne
Having scored his maiden Test ton in the first innings, Nitish Kumar Reddy breaks down the game plan for the visitors ahead of a dramatic Day 5 at the MCG.
Despite Australia having extended their lead to 333, courtesy of the tailenders chipping in, Nitish Kumar Reddy is confident that the visitors can bypass the pressure of batting in the fourth innings.
Speaking to reporters at the end of fourth day’s play, Reddy said, “If you ask me, everyone is capable of playing on this pitch.
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“We'll come back strong, we'll rectify the mistakes we made in the first innings. We have to first take the last wicket and then bat accordingly,” he added.
Furthermore elaborating on the game plan for the chase, Reddy suggested the importance of not pre-empting.
“I feel like you need to get one or two good partnerships. From the first day, we knew the movement was there, the pitch is doing something.
“Later on, on the fourth day, it was doing a bit more. We don't need to put more pressure (on ourselves). We need to go instinctively, according to the situation.”
Reddy, who completed his maiden century for India on Saturday, went on to score 114 before he was dismissed by Nathan Lyon in the first session on Day 4.
The all-rounder’s partnership alongside Washington Sundar helped India close in on Australia’s first-innings total, setting up an exquisite finish in Melbourne.
Reddy opened up on the emotions of scoring his first century in the presence of his father in the stands.
“It's a special moment for me, I helped my team in a difficult situation, (from) where we could fight back. That was a special century for me and my father.”
Earlier, while the 21-year-old was closing in on his maiden Test century, India lost two wickets in quick succession, leaving the all-rounder stranded in the 90s with Mohammed Siraj at the crease.
The Indian quick however, negotiated a tough over from Pat Cummins to ensure that the 21-year-old got his century.
“Crowd went crazy after Siraj's last ball defence, even for my century it wasn't that loud,” Reddy said.
“I loved the way Siraj came and approached those three balls. I should thank him for making my hundred,” he added.