With the conclusion of third Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni decided to bid adieu Test cricket. He, however, will continue to lead India in the limited-overs format.
The third Test was as exciting as it could get, as the pendulum swung one way to the other with both teams fancying win on the final day. Australia, meanwhile, managed to rip through the Indian top-order to put the touring party in a state of bother.
Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane tried to steady India’s innings and they did manage to see off the post-lunch session. Australia sensed an opening when they got rid of Kohli soon after the tea, but Rahane was holding one end firmly and got Cheteshwar Pujara to save the game.
But, both Pujara and Rahane were sent packing in a space of one run by Mitchell Johnson and Josh Hazlewood, respectively. India at that point needed someone, who could see off the remaining overs in the day and the eyes turned towards ever-dependable MS Dhoni.
Dhoni, who has been India’s savior, irrespective of the format, started the match-saving job, as a wicket at that point could have been suicidal for the visitors. The Indian skipper played with confidence and easy, along with Ravichandran Ashwin, and ensured India does not slump to another defeat in the series.
The Indian captain finished with an unbeaten 39-ball 24, featuring four boundaries, and was never troubled by the Aussie bowlers during his 73-minute stay at the crease.
Watch MS Dhoni’s final boundary in Test cricket:
Congrats to MS Dhoni on a great Test career! Here’s the last of his 622 Test boundaries… #AUSvIND https://t.co/5t86y917Hq
— Cricket Video (@CricketVideo) December 30, 2014
