Nitish Kumar Reddy scored his maiden international century to get India back on track in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at Melbourne on Saturday.

Reddy was unbeaten on 105, and India were 358/9 at stumps on the third day of the Test. India still trail by 116 runs, but they should feel a lot better considering the day began at 164/5, requiring 111 more to avoid follow-on.

Reddy and Washington Sundar (50) added 127 runs for the eighth wicket. India lost Sundar and Jasprit Bumrah after tea, but would hope Reddy can keep going for as long as possible, alongside last man Mohammed Siraj (2). Australia had posted 474 in their first innings on the placid Melbourne track.

The morning session saw Rishabh Pant throw away his wicket with a poor shot selection. He scored a few boundaries to get to 28, but was dismissed while trying to play an audacious lap pull over long-leg.

But Reddy turned the pressure back on the hosts with his attacking but sensible game. He scored 10 boundaries, including a six off Nathan Lyon. Reddy has been India's most consistent batter in the series, and a century at the iconic venue was much deserved.

Brief scores: Australia 474 vs India 358/9 in 116 overs (Nitish Kumar Reddy 105 not out, Yashasvi Jaiswal 82, Washington Sundar 50, Scott Boland 3/57, Pat Cummins 3/86) stumps day three

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