Nitish Reddy credits Siraj's effort in his maiden Test ton, adds spin to iconic 'I only believe in Jassi Bhai' attitude

Nitish was just one run away from his century when Siraj joined him at the crease. Facing the daunting task of Pat Cummins, who had just dismissed Bumrah, Siraj had to survive three balls to give Nitish a chance to reach his milestone. The first ball was safely negotiated outside off stump, followed by a well-executed duck to a bouncer on the second delivery. With the pressure mounting, Cummins tried to catch Siraj off guard with a straight delivery on the last ball, but the tailender stood firm and defended it with precision. Thanks to Siraj's resilience, Nitish was able to reach his century in the next over.

In the next over, Reddy played it over mid-on to reach his maiden Test century with a boundary at iconic MCG, as his father got emotional in the stands. He hugged Siraj after his special knock.

After the day's play, Reddy acknowledged Siraj's effort and posted an Instagram story for him.

"I also believe in Siraj bhai. @mdsirajofficial," Reddy wrote on Instagram.

Nitish Kumar Reddy takes India to 358/9

Meanwhile, Reddy's 105 not out and his 127-run stand for the eighth wicket with Washington (50) took India to 358 for 9 on the third day of the fourth Test. Stumps were called early due to bad light.

The 22-year-old all-rounder has been by far India's most consistent batter in the series and the maiden Test century couldn't have come at a more opportune time and that too at an iconic venue.

Earlier, India, who started the day on 164 for five, saw Rishabh Pant (28) throw away his wicket at a crucial juncture before Ravindra Jadeja was trapped lbw for 17.

Reddy's innings was termed as one of greatest Test knocks by the legendary Sunil Gavaskar given the situation as India were in a precarious position after Pant's dismissal courtesy a rash shot had left India tottering at 191 for six.

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