MCG Test: Nitish Reddy, Sundar set records with 127-run stand
What's the story
India bounced back on Day 3 of the ongoing Boxing Day Test against Australia at the MCG. The visitors avoided the follow-on, courtesy of a century-plus partnership between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar. The former scored a historic ton. They batted together for over 47 overs and added 127 runs, stitching a record partnership. Here are the key stats.
Century
Reddy completes his maiden Test century
Reddy walked out on Day 3 after India were down to 191/6 with Rishabh Pant's dismissal. The youngster displayed his crunch strokes from the outset. He also defended the sharp deliveries well. Reddy kept the scoreboard ticking while Sundar protected one end. Although Sundar and Jasprit Bumrah departed in the final session, Reddy completed what was a sensational maiden ton. He returned unbeaten (105*).
Sundar
Sundar's resistance stands out
While Reddy's counter-attacking knock defied the odds, Sundar safeguarded one end with his discipline. He refrained from taking any risk and relied on running between the wickets. His solid defense, especially against off-spinner Nathan Lyon, stood out. Sundar completed his half-century in the 108th over. He played 146 balls for the same. Lyon dismissed him for 50(162), which included a solitary four.
Partnership
Historic partnership for Team India
Reddy and Sundar added 127 runs, which is now the highest partnership for eighth wicket or lower for India in Australia, as per Cricbuzz. They are only behind Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh, who put up 129 runs in the 2008 Sydney Test. As per Cricbuzz, this is also the longest stand for eighth wicket or lower against Australia Down Under since 2009.
Numbers
A look at other notable numbers
As per Cricbuzz, this was only the second instance of India's number eight and nine batters hitting fifty-plus scores in the same innings of a Test Down Under. In the 2008 Adelaide Test, Anil Kumble (87) and Harbhajan (63) did the same. At 21 years and 216 days, Reddy became the third-youngest at the time of maiden Test century for India in Australia.