India has a new batting hero after 21-year-old Nitish Kumar Reddy showed the poise of a veteran to score his maiden century, leading his team’s comeback against Australia on day three of the fourth test.

India has a new batting hero after 21-year-old Nitish Kumar Reddy showed the poise of a veteran to score his maiden century, leading his team’s comeback against Australia on day three of the fourth test.

Nitish Kumar Reddy hits a superb first Test century to keep India in the fourth Test - but Australia remain in a strong position at the end of day three.

Steve Smith’s stylish century powered Australia to a strong position against India at lunch on the second day of the fourth test of the five-match series.

Team India face the daunting task of going past Australia's first innings total of 474. Captain Rohit Sharma's poor run with the willow is not coming to an end. He came out to open in the boxing day Test at the MCG and got out to his counterpart Pat Cummins after scoring three runs.

Nitish Kumar Reddy's unbeaten 105 took India to 358 for nine, still 116 runs short of Australia's first innings score of 474 as rain brought an early end to the third day's play

Day three was supposed to be a batting day for Australia, and one where the hosts set themselves up for a crucial MCG victory. But in its way was Nitish Kumar Reddy, and the dogged determination of India's generation next.

Nitish Kumar Reddy picked the perfect time to score his maiden century as India fought their way back into the fourth Test against Australia on Saturday. All-rounder Reddy was applauded off the Melbourne Cricket Ground pitch at the end of Day 3 following his brilliant unbeaten 105 after rain ended play midway through the final session.

Nitish Kumar Reddy has pulled India back within 149 of the lead in the Boxing Day Test as the allrounder eyes a maiden century.