Chapter 67: Test : Day 2

As the second session commenced, there was a palpable tension in the air. The Australian bowlers, having witnessed Nitish's remarkable batting prowess in the first session, unleashed a barrage of bouncers with newfound aggression. The unexpected bounce offered by the pitch provided them with a potent weapon to unsettle the Indian batsmen.

The devastating blow came in the form of a venomous bouncer from Mitchell Johnson that rose sharply towards Virat Kohli's throat. Caught off guard, Virat attempted to fend it away, but the ball took a faint edge and nestled safely into the wicketkeeper's gloves. The Australian fielders erupted in jubilation, sensing an opening in the Indian batting lineup.

With the dismissal of Virat, the floodgates opened for the Australian bowlers. They continued to exploit the extra bounce and venomous pace, targeting the Indian batsmen relentlessly. The trio of Aaron, Ashwin, and Jadeja fell victim to the unrelenting barrage of bouncers, unable to contend with the sheer ferocity and precision of the Australian attack.

As the 9th wicket fell, Nitish found himself facing the fiery Mitchell Johnson. The over before the tea break was nothing short of a trial by fire. Johnson unleashed a series of deadly bouncers, each one aimed to intimidate and provoke a mistake from the young Nitish. The commentators, Harsha Bhogle among them, expressed concern for Nitish's safety, fearing that the relentless assault might overwhelm him.

But Nitish, with his unwavering determination and remarkable skill, stood his ground. He demonstrated incredible composure and agility, carefully judging the length and pace of each bouncer. With a mix of courage and technique, he expertly defended the first three balls, withstanding the barrage of blows that targeted his body, shoulder, helmet, and arms.

Harsha Bhogle: Ladies and gentlemen, what a remarkable turn of events we've witnessed here at the iconic stadium! Nitish, the 15-year-old prodigy, has just unleashed a storm of stroke play, defying the fiery assault from Mitchell Johnson. This young lad has shown us all what it truly means to be a warrior on the cricket field.

As Johnson charged in for that first ball, you could see the fire in his eyes, the hunger to dismantle the Indian batting lineup. But Nitish, oh Nitish, he stood tall and faced that venomous bouncer head-on. He took the blow, shrugged it off, and signaled to the world that he was here to play.

And what a display of courage and technique we witnessed! Those three successive bouncers aimed at Nitish's body, helmet, and arms were nothing short of a battlefield. But he, like a seasoned warrior, defended his castle with valor and determination. The stadium is on its feet, applauding this young maestro's resilience.

But wait, folks! It seems that Nitish has decided to take matters into his own hands. Johnson's fifth delivery, another fierce bouncer, was met with a breathtaking uppercut from Nitish. The ball soared high, higher than the fielders' reach, and it sailed over the slips for a magnificent six! The crowd has gone wild, erupting into a thunderous applause. This is the stuff dreams are made of!

And there it is! Nitish has done it! On the final ball of the over, he crafted a cover drive that exuded class and elegance. The ball raced to the boundary, leaving everyone in awe. Nitish has brought up his maiden Test century, and what a way to do it! The stadium is shaking with the deafening cheers and applause from the crowd.

Glenn McGrath: Harsha, this is a phenomenal display of skill and fearlessness from a young talent. Nitish has shown incredible maturity beyond his years. Those three sixes have not only shifted the momentum in India's favor but have also left an indelible mark on this Test match.

The first two blows were a testament to Nitish's ability to absorb the bouncer barrage. He stood firm, withstood the storm, and signaled to Australia that he was not one to be intimidated. And that uppercut! It was as if Nitish had a plan all along. The execution was impeccable, and the result was a magnificent six that left everyone awestruck.

But the highlight, Harsha, was that cover drive to reach his maiden Test century. It was a stroke of pure elegance, played with impeccable timing and grace. The ball raced away, and Nitish soaked in the adulation from the crowd. This is a moment that will be etched in his memory forever.

This young man has shown the world that age is just a number when it comes to talent and determination. He has seized the opportunity, defied the odds, and propelled India to a commanding position. The Australian bowlers, who seemed unstoppable earlier, are now left searching for answers.

Harsha Bhogle: Indeed, Glenn, this is a coming-of-age moment for Nitish. His fearless approach and ability to counter the bouncers have not only silenced his critics but also inspired his teammates. The impact of his innings goes beyond the scoreboard. It has injected a surge of confidence and belief in the Indian dressing room.

As we head into the tea break, let us not forget the significance of this innings. Nitish's century has not only rescued India from a precarious position but has also set the stage for a captivating battle ahead. The Australian bowlers must regroup and come up with a new plan to tackle this prodigious talent.

It's moments like these that define cricket, where a young star rises from the shadows to etch his name in the history books. Nitish has certainly arrived on the grandest stage, and the cricketing world is eagerly watching to witness what more this young warrior has in store.

Stay tuned, folks! The final session promises to be an enthralling contest, with Nitish leading the charge. This match is far from over, and the Indian team, buoyed by their young sensation, will look to push their advantage further. We are in for a treat in the days to come!

Harsha Bhogle: Apologies for the oversight, folks! How could we forget the fourth ball in that mesmerizing over from Mitchell Johnson? It was an absolute gem of an inswinging yorker that left everyone, including Nitish, in awe. The ball angled in, tailing sharply towards the stumps, and just when it seemed like a certain wicket, Nitish showcased his incredible reflexes and dug it out with impeccable precision.

Glenn McGrath: Absolutely, Harsha! That was a magical delivery from Johnson, one that had all the ingredients to dismantle the stumps. But Nitish, with lightning-fast hands and immaculate footwork, managed to get his bat down in the nick of time. It was a breathtaking display of skill and composure under pressure.

Harsha Bhogle: You're right, Glenn! Nitish's ability to not only survive but also counter the fiery bouncers and an inswinging yorker in the same over speaks volumes about his temperament and talent. This innings has showcased the maturity and poise of a seasoned campaigner, despite his tender age.

Glenn McGrath: Absolutely, Harsha! Nitish has shown incredible maturity beyond his years. His shot selection, technique, and shot execution have been outstanding. This young talent is here to stay, and the future of Indian cricket looks brighter with him in the ranks.

Harsha Bhogle: Indeed, Glenn! Nitish's maiden Test century and his remarkable innings in this match will be remembered for years to come. It has been a privilege to witness this young talent announce himself on the world stage. The impact of his innings will reverberate not just in this match but in the cricketing fraternity as well.

Glenn McGrath: The Australian bowlers must regroup and find a way to counter Nitish's brilliance. This battle between the young prodigy and the experienced bowlers will be fascinating to watch. The stage is set for an enthralling contest in the remaining days of this Test match.

Harsha Bhogle: Absolutely, Glenn! Cricket is a game of uncertainties, and Nitish has shown us that age is just a number when it comes to talent and determination. The match is finely poised, and it will be interesting to see how the rest of the Indian team rallies around Nitish's heroic innings.