Nitish Kumar Reddy disclosed the inspiration behind his helmet-on-bat celebration following his first Test century against Australia during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Demonstrating resilience, Nitish elevated his performance to a remarkable level, achieving an impressive century. He has consistently been a key contributor for India in the lower-middle order, having scored three forties previously; however, on this occasion, he received valuable support from Washington Sundar, with whom he formed a partnership of 127 runs.

Reddy marked his inaugural century with a distinctive celebration, positioning his bat on the ground as a stand, placing his helmet atop it, and performing a salute. The young all-rounder expressed that his celebration was intended as a tribute to the Indian flag displayed on his helmet.

"After reaching my hundred, I placed my bat down and set my helmet on it, symbolizing the Indian flag and saluting it. The greatest motivation comes from representing my country, and this moment was truly unforgettable," Reddy conveyed to BCCI.

Reddy encountered 176 deliveries, striking 10 boundaries and one six, thereby maintaining his impressive batting performance at the number eight position, which has characterized his debut series.

‘You know, what mentality Siraj carries…’: Nitish Reddy

Mohammed Siraj, India's number 11, demonstrated considerable determination and played a pivotal role in assisting Reddy in reaching the milestone of a century. At the moment Siraj came to the crease, Reddy was on 99, facing the challenging task of confronting Pat Cummins, who had just dismissed Jasprit Bumrah on the preceding delivery.

With only three balls remaining in that over, Cummins aimed to conclude the Indian innings by claiming Siraj's wicket. However, the tailender had other intentions. The first delivery, which was pitched outside off stump, posed no threat to India, while Siraj successfully evaded the second ball, a bouncer. On the final delivery of the over, Cummins targeted the stumps, but Siraj defended it with patience, allowing Reddy the opportunity to secure his century in the subsequent over. Reddy then struck a boundary over mid-on to complete his century.

The 22-year-old also shared insights from his conversation with Siraj upon his arrival at the crease. "You know, the mentality Siraj possesses; he was determined, saying 'I will do it' - it was uplifting, and I felt very pleased," he remarked.

On Sunday, India will continue their innings at 358 for nine, with Nitish (105*) and Siraj (2*) at the crease, still trailing by 119 runs behind Australia's first-innings total of 474.

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