WATCH: Nitish Kumar Reddy solidifies his place in Test team after blistering maiden century in 4th Test vs AUS

Nitish Kumar Reddy has slammed his first century in Test cricket at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, in the ongoing fourth Test match against Australia. The 21-year-old player has played a crucial knock, saving the team from collapsing in the first innings. Perfectly supported by Washington Sundar from the other end, Reddy has proved his worth throughout the series. 

After a series of early dismissals in the 40s, Reddy has finally converted his half-century into a blistering century in the Boxing Day Test match. He enjoyed his batting thoroughly, which was visible from the way he played. Reddy's knock was a testament to patience and maturity, and it helped India as well. As a batter, he held his calm and played some natural shots along with some unorthodox ones. 

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Overall, he's been consistent throughout the series, becoming the backbone of the team down the order. India needed a player like him who could chip in some quick runs to support the team from failing. Both Reddy and Sundar formed a 100+ runs partnership as well. Even Yashasvi Jaiswal played a prolific knock at the top order, scoring 82 runs in 118 balls. Australian bowlers couldn't make use of the new ball, which turned into an advantage for India. 

We groomed him systematically: MSK Prasad

Former India player MSK Prasad made a U-turn after making illogical comments on Nitish Reddy during the fourth Test match. Before the player scored a half-century, Prasad said, "Nitish Kumar Reddy is creating confusion in Team India. He is not a complete batter and bowler and can’t win matches for the team with his skills. It would have been better to include specialist players." 

However, right after the 50 came, he changed his statements, saying, 'We groomed him.' While talking on Star Sports, MSK Prasad said, "We groomed him systematically. He scored 1200 runs in a season and 400 runs in one innings in U-16 cricket. This age group is the entry point in Indian domestic cricket. He was a batter who could bowl when he started playing cricket."