Nitish Kumar Reddy’s famous MCG century came because he was determined to fight for India “no matter what”, according to batting partner Washington Sundar.

The pair of all-rounders combined in a 127-run stand that took India from the brink of a disaster in the fourth Test and pulled them back into the contest.

India will resume at 9-358 on day four, with Reddy still at the crease on 105. They trail Australia by 116 with two days to play.

Reddy was forced to sweat for his maiden Test century, with No.11 Mohammed Siraj braving three deliveries from Pat Cummins to give him the chance to loft Nathan Lyon over long-on for a boundary to reach the milestone.

The 21-year-old said after his debut in Perth last month that batting for India was like “taking a bullet for your country”.

Sundar, who was earlier dismissed by Lyon for 50, said the team’s leadership had instilled in them the need to fight for their side.

“They keep telling us to fight no matter what and I think that is something that has been instilled in us and no matter what situation we are in, we will fight no matter what,” he said.

“At a ground like the MCG, a big occasion like the Boxing Day Test we will do whatever it takes to be in a good position.

“Today was definitely very hard and I am very, very happy for Nitish, he got an unbelievable hundred.”

Australian bowler Mitchell Starc went wicketless, while they were also able to milk all-rounder Mitch Marsh and Reddy looked comfortable against the spin of Nathan Lyon.

Washington said they were focused on getting through dangerous spells, particularly around the second new ball in the middle session.

“I think playing against Australia in Australia you are always going to be put under challenge, no matter what. Challenges can be in different ways, but it is just that we have got to be ready to fit through those challenging situations and I was just thinking about the things that I need to be doing so I could see off some important spells,” he said.

“Once we got through those spells, runs came a lot easier as well.”

India got the best batting conditions of the Test during day three, but Washington said there was more sideways movement after the first rain delay.