Ind vs Aus Day 3: Nitish Reddy's maiden ton guides India to 358/9 at stumps
Melbourne, Dec 28: Young Nitish Reddy scored a memorable maiden international hundred batting at number eight and lifted a faltering India to 358 for nine at stumps on the third day of the fourth Test against Australia here on Saturday.
Walking in at the fall of the team's sixth wicket with just 191 on the board in reply to Australia's first innings total of 474 all out, the 21-year-old Reddy made an unbeaten 105 off 176 balls, and was involved in a record partnership of 127 for the eighth wicket with Washington Sundar (50 off 162 balls).
Thanks to their stand, India not only avoided the follow-on but also managed to inch closer to the Australian total after starting the day 310 runs in arrears and with their top five batters back in dressing room.
At stumps, India were trailing the hosts by 116 runs.
Stumps were called early due to bad light.
Reddy reached the three-figure mark with a fine lofted shot over mid-on off Scott Boland, and his father's presence at the MCG made it even more memorable for the youngster.
During his knock, Reddy showed the team's established batters how to get the job done.
Earlier, India, who started the day on 164 for five, saw Rishabh Pant (28) throw away his wicket at a crucial juncture before Ravindra Jadeja was trapped lbw for 17.
Brief scores:
Australia 1st innings: 474
India 1st innings: 358/9 in 116 overs (Nitish Reddy batting 105, Yashasvi Jasiwal 82, Washington Sundar 50; Scott Boland 3/57, Pat Cummins 3/86).
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Karnataka minister orders safari resumption from Feb 21 with strict curbs
Mysuru (Karnataka) (PTI): Safari operations, suspended after the human-tiger conflict, will resume with conditions from February 21, following Minister Eshwar Khandre’s directive on Friday to strictly enforce guidelines.
The state forest minister reviewed the situation with officials from Mysuru, Kodagu and Chamarajanagar, and said an order would be issued to restart safaris from Saturday.
Khandre warned that any violation of the conditions would make officials accountable.
“Only 50 per cent of the safari vehicles and staff in use prior to November 7 should be deployed. Operations should be conducted mainly through buses, with minimal use of campers and jeeps. Detailed instructions will be issued,” he said.
Khandre directed officials to identify human–wildlife conflict-prone areas in Bandipur and Nagarahole and intensify patrolling.
“Precautionary measures must ensure wild animals do not enter residential areas, preventing loss of life and crop damage,” he said.
Following the death of a farmer in a tiger attack in Mysuru district, safari operations in Nagarahole and Bandipur tiger reserves were suspended on November 7, 2025.
According to the minister’s office, a 100-km stretch along the Bandipur boundary has been identified as highly sensitive, with 25 camps to be set up at five-km intervals.
“Local residents will be appointed as ‘forest friends’ at each camp to monitor wildlife movement. Proposals for facilities such as thermal drones and vehicles must be submitted in writing,” he said.
He said protecting people living on forest fringes is as important as wildlife conservation, with equal emphasis on crop protection.
“Thirty-five per cent of safari revenue should be used for skill training for youth in fringe villages, cattle fodder supply and children’s education,” he said.
Khandre stressed that conservation depends on local community support and directed staff to maintain cordial relations with residents and involve them in conservation efforts.
“Permanent staff must use the internally developed e-patrolling software, while outsourced staff in tiger reserves should use the e-stripe system,” he said.
Wildlife movement should be monitored at the integrated command centre, with prompt instructions issued to field staff. Complaints received on helpline 1926 must be addressed immediately, he added.
The minister also directed measures to prevent forest fires in Nagarahole, Bandipur and Biligiri Ranganatha Hills during summer.
“Steps must ensure tigers, leopards, elephants and other wildlife do not stray out of forests due to shortages of food and water,” he said.
