India suffered yet another defeat at Manuka Oval, Canberra. India lost their last nine wickets for only 43 runs. India in reply to Australia’s mammoth 348 started well as opener Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan scored 65 before Rohit got out. After Rohit’s departure, Shikhar and Virat scored a 217 run partnership. But India with Dhawan departure, after his 126 run innings, suffered an inexplicable collapse.
Captain MS Dhoni in the post-match press conference and post-match presentation ceremony blamed himself for the defeat. Dhoni for the second time in this series got out for a duck. He said, “I will take the blame for the defeat. Shikhar and Virat really batted well. We could have done much better”.
He further said, “I’m not angry, I’m disappointed. We should’ve batted much better. You realise you have to take the game slightly to the end.”
But, Dhoni also criticised Ravindra Jadeja’s poor communication skill. Jadeja when batting with Umesh Yadav allowed the latter to take a single of the last ball, as a result, India wasted a couple of deliveries as well.
Meanwhile, he said Bhuvneshwar Kumar is not consistent with the ball as he lost his charm. “Bhuvneshwar Kumar has increased his pace but he’s not as consistent. He is slightly on the shorter side,” Dhoni said.
Dhoni came to bat after Dhawan departed. But, he got out for a duck. Kohli, who was looking elegant and positive to finish the match got out after adding one more run. Kane Richardson who was battered throughout the innings gave Australia a much-needed breakthrough and pulled Australia back in the match and finally helped the host to take a series lead 4-0.
Meanwhile, Australian captain Steve Smith couldn’t hide his happiness but had praised Kohli and Dhawan. “When Virat and Shikhar get going, you have to keep doing everything. Richardson was magnificent. Winning is a good habit,” Smith said.
