Indian captain MS Dhoni has taken all the responsibility for today’s loss against Australia. Australia snatched the victory after a dramatic collapse by the Men in Blue at the Manuka Oval, Canberra. The touring captain scored a three-ball duck, coming in to bat at number four, during India’s chase of Australia’s total of 349.
India were cruising towards a convincing victory but a flurry of wickets after the 37th over dismissed all the possibilities. From 271/1, India were all out at 323 in 49.2 overs. Australia now lead the five-match series by 4-0.
This is the fourth consecutive match that India have lost in 2016.
Dhoni edged John Hastings to the keeper failing to read a ball that left him. The Indian skipper’s approach to the delivery looked flawed and Australia did not look back after that.
"I am not angry but disappointed. I take responsibility (for the defeat) because that is my job - to finish off the matches. The youngsters had a tough job," Dhoni said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
"We had a chance to win but did not close the game. The international cricket is all about pressure, you think about the right shot. You realise you have to take a bit more time and take the game slightly to the end," added Dhoni.
Dhawan and Kohli batted majestically: Dhoni
India were at the driving seat today with Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli scoring centuries each. The Delhi duo had a partnership of more than 200 runs. With Ajinkya Rahane making a late entry due to an injured right hand and the skipper scoring a three-ball duck, the lower order of the Indian batting line-up succumbed to the pressure.
Dhoni, however, praised his top order batsmen for giving a flying start to the Indian innings. He said, "Rohit batted very well with Shikhar. And Dhawan and Kohli batted majestically. In the last five years, we have not had a fixed bowling line up other than the spinners. That pushes us to the extreme to get some extra runs."
Australia set a record after winning today’s match by winning 19 consecutive matches at home. Kane Richardson, who was brought in by the home side to replace Josh Hazelwood, took five wickets today.
The fifth and final match of the ongoing Victoria Bitter ODI series will be played on January 23 at Sydney.
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