Watch: Nitish Kumar Reddy celebrates his first Test fifty with Pushpa celebration

Finally, Nitish Kumar Reddy recorded his first Test half-century and it came once again in a tough time in Indian innings. After completing his first Test 50 runs, the 21-year-old all-rounder brought the popular “Pushpa” celebration. 

In reply to Australia’s first innings total of 474 runs in the crucial Melbourne Test, the visitors India were in danger of being enforced follow-on when Nitish Kumar Reddy came to bat. Rishabh Pant’s dismissal put India in trouble at 191/6. Later, Ravindra Jadeja lost his wicket, when the visitors were struggling at 221/7. When Washington Sundar joined Reddy, India was still 55 runs away to save the follow-on. 

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Both Reddy and Sundar batted exceptionally well to frustrate the home bowlers. Their batting ultimately helped the visitors cross the follow-on mark without further damage in the wicket tally.  

Reddy, who scored three 40s in this Australia tour after making his Test debut during this Test series opener, finally completed his deserving half-century in 81 balls with the help of four fours and one six. 

After completing his half-century, Reddy celebrated his maiden Test 50 runs with the popular “Pushpa” celebration.