Reddy to the rescue as India fight back in Melbourne test

MELBOURNE :In a Boxing Day clash energised by next-gen talent, India's rookie all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy celebrated a stirring, maiden century on Saturday to give the visitors hope of saving the fourth test against Australia.

The 21-year-old sent Indian fans into delirium as he strode forward to thump Scott Boland over mid-on for four to raise his hundred late on the third day, bringing tears to the eyes of his overjoyed father in the Melbourne Cricket Ground crowd.

Reddy strode off unbeaten on 105 when bad light and rain brought stumps an hour early, with India 358 for nine, still trailing Australia's first innings 474 by 116 runs.

Taking full advantage of a docile wicket, Reddy built a vital 127-run partnership for the eight wicket with Washington Sundar (50) that dragged India back from the brink.

India were 221 for seven when they came together, still 54 runs short of avoiding the follow-on.

The tourists still have hard yards ahead to deny Australia victory and a 2-1 lead in the five-test series, with Sydney hosting the final match in the New Year.

But the players were buoyed by Reddy's composure throughout his unbeaten, 176-ball knock.

"One thing for sure, his mentality is very, very strong," Sundar told reporters.

"The way he went about his innings, he was amazing."

Reddy will return on day four hoping to grab a few more runs with tailender Mohammed Siraj, who was two not out.

Siraj enjoyed one of the day's biggest cheers when he blocked out Australia's paceman-captain Pat Cummins for three balls to allow Reddy, who was stranded at the non-striker's end on 99, to complete his ton in the next over.

In just his fourth test, Reddy celebrated his hundred by planting his bat in the turf, putting his helmet over the handle and