Nitish Reddy explains the significance of helmet-on-bat celebration after scoring his first Test century at MCG: ‘It represents the Indian flag…’

Reddy marked his first century in a unique way by using his bat as a stand, placing his helmet on it, and offering a salute. The talented all-rounder explained that his celebration was a tribute to the Indian flag displayed on his helmet.

"After my Hundred, I was planting my bat - keeping the helmet - so there is Indian flag and saluting the flag - the biggest motivation is playing for the country and it was memorable," Reddy told BCCI.

Reddy faced 176 balls, hitting 10 fours and one six, continuing the fine batting form at number eight in the order that has marked his debut series.

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

India's number 11 Mohammed Siraj also showed some grit and played a crucial role in Reddy getting to the triple-figure mark. Nitish was batting on 99 when Siraj came out to bat, and he had a tricky task to face Pat Cummins, who got rid of Jasprit Bumrah on the previous ball.

With three balls left in that over, Cummins was looking to wrap the Indian innings with Siraj's wicket, but the tailender had different plans. The first ball, which was outside off stump, didn't do any damage for India, while Siraj ducked the second delivery, which was a bouncer. The Aussie paceman targetted the stumps on the last ball of over and Siraj patiently defended it to give Reddy a chance to complete his century in the next over. In the next over, Reddy played it over mid-on to complete his century with a boundary.

The 22-year-old also revealed the chat he had with Siraj when he entered the middle to bat.

"You know, what mentality Siraj carries, he was like 'I will do it' - was boosted up, and I was so happy," he added.

On Sunday, India will resume at 358 for nine, with Nitish (105*) and Siraj (2*) in middle, still trailing by 119 runs against Australia's first-innings score of 474.

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