India trail by 148 at tea as Reddy, Sundar resist
Insight Online News
Melbourne, Dec 28 : India’s resilience came to the forefront as Nitish Kumar Reddy (85) and Washington Sundar (40) led a determined recovery during the third session of Day 3 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground here on Saturday.
The duo frustrated Australia’s bowlers, forging an invaluable partnership that steadied India’s innings in a session that saw 82 runs added without the loss of a wicket.
As the weather worsened with poor light interrupting play, the umpires called for an early tea break with the scoreboard reading 326/7 after 97 overs. The ground staff quickly covered the pitch, and the break was taken with Reddy and Sundar still at the crease, battling to keep India’s hopes alive.
Reddy, who had shown flashes of brilliance earlier in the series, brought up his maiden Test fifty in a composed and calculated manner. His knock, including some attacking strokes, was a reflection of his solid technique and growing confidence. In a particularly jubilant moment, Reddy lofted Mitchell Starc over the boundary to reach his fifty, sending the MCG spectators into a frenzy.
Sundar, despite a few nervy moments – including a tough dropped catch by Steven Smith at second slip – has provided crucial support at the other end. His partnership with Reddy has ensured India avoids the follow-on, a significant milestone in their quest to build a competitive total. The duo has put together a century stand, but with India still trailing by 148, much work remains to be done.
The Australia bowlers, led by Pat Cummins (2/86) and Scott Boland (3/49), were disciplined and patient throughout the session. Cummins and Boland applied constant pressure, while Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon kept the batsmen on their toes. The Australia attack, although relentless, has been unable to break through the defiant pair at the crease.
As the game paused for tea, the match remained finely poised. India will be hoping that Reddy can convert his half-century into a maiden Test century, while Sundar’s calm composure could provide the stability India needs to close the gap. With only three wickets in hand, the pressure is mounting, but Reddy and Sundar’s resilience offers India a glimmer of hope.
Earlier in the day, India had resumed on a precarious note, and the first session had seen a mix of caution and frustration. India added 80 runs in 27 overs, but the departure of Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja proved crucial. Pant, after a promising start, fell to Boland’s trap, mistiming a scoop shot to give a simple catch at third man. Jadeja, who had battled hard for 17 runs off 51 balls, was trapped lbw by Lyon’s skiddy delivery, which left India in further disarray.
The match remains evenly poised, with both sides facing key challenges. India will need Reddy and Sundar to continue their battle, while Australia will be eager to break the partnership and finish the job. The drama of a Test match at the MCG continues, with both teams still locked in a fierce contest.
