BGT 2024: “One or two good partnerships”- Nitish Kumar Reddy optimistic about India chasing down the target in MCG

Australia lead by 333 runs at stumps on day 4 with one wicket in hand.

Indian team will aim for history for first ever 300 plus chase at MCG since 2000 | Getty

Nitish Kumar Reddy, the architect of India’s first innings total of 369, thanks to his maiden Test century (114), said that he is optimistic about India chasing down whatever target Australia posts in the ongoing BGT 2024 Test in Melbourne.

Nitish Reddy’s 114 kept Australia’s lead to just 105 runs in the first innings. But Australia, thanks to 70 by Marnus Labuschagne, and 41 each by Pat Cummins and unbeaten Nathan Lyon, have raked up 228/9 in the second innings. Their lead stands at 333 runs with one wicket in hand at stumps on day 4.

Reddy, just 21 and playing his fourth Test, had his father, Mutyala Reddy, and a host of family and friends watching on as he reached the maiden test century milestone.

"That was a special century for me and for my father. When I was nothing, the first person who believed in me was my father. He resigned from his job for me. He made a lot of sacrifices. I'm so grateful to have a father like him,” Nitish Reddy said in a post-day press conference.

Reddy expressed gratitude to teammate Mohammed Siraj, whose stoic defense allowed Reddy to reach his hundred.

The crowd went crazy after Mohammed Siraj's last-ball defense. Even my century was not that loud, I guess. But I really love the way Siraj came and played three balls. I should thank him for my hundred,” he added.

Despite his individual brilliance, Reddy remained grounded and focused on the team's prospects.

"We haven't discussed the batting order for the second innings yet. Everyone is capable of playing on this pitch. We will come back strong and try to rectify the mistakes made in the first innings,” he said.

Reflecting on his development as a batter, Reddy revealed the hard work behind his success.

"I have been working on my batting for the last 2-3 years. Fitness is important for me as an all-rounder, and I kept pushing. After my first IPL season, I realized what improvement I needed in my batting. During the off-season, I worked really hard. That's what's working out now,” Reddy said.

Reddy acknowledged the challenges posed by the pitch but maintained optimism. With the series tied at 1-1, the stakes are high for both teams. Reddy believes India may lead a record chase if they establish their groove with the bat.

"In the second innings, it's a fresh innings, and I can't start with a hundred. I have to start afresh and use the same approach I had in the first innings. We will play according to what the team plans for the second innings.

It's important to have one or two good partnerships to give us a chance of victory. We don't need to put more pressure on ourselves by saying the pitch is doing this or that,” he added.

The biggest successful chase at the MCG since 2000 was 231/2 by Australia against England in 2013-14. To achieve it and win, India will have to overcome history and a determined Australian team.

(PTI inputs)

 
 

By Jatin Sharma - 29 Dec, 2024

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