Reddy came into this series as a relative unknown, with three T20s being his only international appearances to date.

He won the emerging player award in this year’s Indian Premier League but had only scored one first-class century.

However, the 21-year-old showed the skill and temperament of a player far beyond his age and record.

He came into play after Pant was caught by a third man in the deep who tried to boldly scoop Boland over his shoulder to fine leg, and made for a far more measured innings.

Reddy put pressure on the Australian bowlers by hitting classic off-drives off the front and back foot and pushing Nathan Lyon back over the head for his one six.

He rose to 97 without being given a chance, but after seeing the fall of his trusty partner Sundar, he tried a hack to get to three figures.

The ball went just across the infield and Reddy managed to intercept two – but that exposed Bumrah Cummins, who quickly denied India’s vice-captain, leaving Reddy helpless at the non-striker’s end.

The young player looked nervously at the gloomy sky as Cummins completed his over, swinging his bat in celebration as Siraj defended the final ball to loud cheers from the Indian fans in the crowd.

After reaching his hundred, Reddy fell on one knee and looked at the sky again, his father now in tears as Indian flags flew around him.