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 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.

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.