'They tell us to fight in every situation', Sundar reveals a big secret after a brilliant inning in Melbourne

Washington Sundar, India's spin all-rounder praised Nitish Kumar Reddy for making his first Test half-century memorable in the Boxing Day Test against Australia. He said that the way the seam-bowling all-rounder did his job was brilliant. Reddy emerged as a hero for India by scoring an unbeaten 105 in the third day's play. With this brilliant century, the visiting team scored 358 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 116 overs and is 116 runs behind Australia.

Nitish Reddy hit a lofted shot off Scott Boland and scored his first Test century in 171 balls. Sundar said, "He is very strong mentally. I have known him for quite a few years. The way he did his job today is amazing. He picked the stages in the game where he felt we could get some boundaries. He also knew that we needed to get past a few balls as well when the situation was a bit challenging for us. An unbelievable century, it will be talked about for a very long time.”

Sundar said, “One thing about Nitish, no matter what he is doing – on the field or off the field – he is going to give his 120 percent. It is his approach towards life, not just towards cricket. Obviously, I have seen him quite closely during the IPL as well, his way of working, whatever he used to do during the game, it was very pleasing for all of us. We knew something special was going to happen.”

Reddy and Sundar came together at a time when India looked to struggle at 221 after losing 7 wickets in the first session. The two then stitched a 127-run stand for the eighth wicket. While Reddy played some exquisite strokes – on both the front and back foot- while solid in his defense, temperament, application and composure, Sundar was not far behind scoring a patient half-century and proving the perfect second batsman in what proved to be an essential partnership for India.

Sundar also praised Gautam Gambhir and said, “Gautam bhai and all the support staff kept faith in me, kept telling me what I am capable of, especially at this level, in this format. It really means a lot to me. It gives me the confidence that I can do something special for the Indian team. They keep telling us to fight at all costs and I think that is something that is ingrained in us and no matter what situation we are in, we will fight at all costs. It would have been even better if I had scored a few more runs and not lost my wicket, but I think we are in a good position today.”