A statement with straight bat and clear mind

The MCG and all its Boxing Day-inspired 83,000 temporary inhabitants were buzzing. Rishabh Pant has just been dismissed. India had been reduced to 191/6, trailing by 283 runs. The Australian attack featuring Mitch Starc, Pat Cummins, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon had its tail up. There was a match on the line. Perhaps pride too.

- Ashish Magotra

It was into this scenario that the 21-year-old Nitish Reddy walked in. And when the day was done, he had worked his way to an unbelievable 105* to lift his team and nation with his courage and spirit. Batting at No.8, he had conquered the G in a manner few others had.

He is only the second Indian to make his maiden Test century at the MCG, after Vinoo Mankad in 1948. At 21 years and 216 days, Reddy joined another select group - only Sachin Tendulkar (18y younger when they hit their maiden centuries in Australia.

Now, everyone knew he could bat. He top-scored for India in the first innings at Perth with 41 and again in both innings at Adelaide with 42 each. But could he play the kind of innings he played on Saturday? After all, he was only 21. But if there is one thing that stands out about him, it is his maturity. He seems calm beyond his years, and even in the nets he goes about his work like a pro.