Reddy Smashes Maiden Ton To Leave Australia Reeling

India's Nitish Kumar Reddy bats on the third day of the fourth Test against Australia. —AFP/File

MELBOURNE: Nitish Kumar Reddy scored a defiant maiden century on Saturday as India fought back to reach 358-9 on a rain-hit third day of the fourth Test against Australia.

Rising all-rounder Reddy hit 103 to lift India from a precarious 83-5 after the home side's pace attack had threatened to dominate the proceedings.

Australia had been looking to wrap up the Indian innings quickly, but Reddy's gritty knock changed the complexion of the game, and the tourists will now be hoping to push for a sizeable total on the fourth day.

The 24-year-old was ably supported by Saini, who chipped in with 21, and together they added 67 runs for the eighth wicket to take India past the 300-run mark.

When bad light stopped play, skipper Rahane was unbeaten on 11, with Saini's dismissal prompting an early end to the day's proceedings.

The Australian pace attack, led by Hazlewood and Cummins, had looked menacing in the morning, but Reddy's gutsy knock has given India a ray of hope in the match.

The Indian team will now be aiming to bat for as long as possible on the fourth day to set a challenging target for the home side, and with the pitch starting to show signs of wear and tear, the visitors will be confident of causing some damage with their spin attack.