India all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy put on a show with the bat on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the iconic MCG.

In reply to Australia’s first innings total of 474, India were reeling at 191/6 when Reddy came to the crease. Amidst intense pressure, the 21-year-old went on to slam his maiden Test hundred. He notched up his three-figure mark with a boundary over mid-on off Scott Boland.

After the day’s play in Melbourne, Nitish Reddy interacted with bcci.tv and reflected on his innings.

"We are here, we will keep fighting. Even when I got hit with a bouncer, I just kept saying the same thing: 'Keep fighting.' That's what kept motivating me," the all-rounder said.

He also talked about the tense moments leading up to the century, with only one wicket remaining in the Indian innings.

"I was on 99 when Mohammed Siraj walked in to bat with three balls. I know what mentality Siraj carries, and he was like, 'I will do it.' He was boosted up and said, 'Reddy, now it's your time,' and I was so happy," Reddy remarked.

Reddy's innings was a testament to his desire of performing well Down Under and making his father proud.

"I wanted to perform well in Australia so that everyone would recognise me and what I am capable of. I let my bat do the talking. I was so thankful for the moment, and after it, I saw my father and he was crying. I always dreamt about making him proud," he stated.

Nitish Reddy was rather emotional after reaching the milestone. He kneeled down, planted his bat with the helmet on top and then thanked the almighty.

Talking about his reaction, Reddy said: "After my hundred, I was just planting my bat over there and keeping the helmet so the Indian flag was visible. I was planting my Indian flag and saluting it. Representing India is the biggest motivation, and I wanted to make this moment memorable."

Nitish Reddy, who was unbeaten on 105 overnight, managed to add 9 more runs to his tally in the morning session on Day 4 before being dismissed by Nathan Lyon.

Thanks to his 114-run knock, India reduced the first innings deficit to 105 runs following a shoddy top-order performance.