Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who had been at the receiving end only a month ago, has silenced his critics with a 231-ball double hundred against Australia in Chennai Test. Dhoni became the first Indian wicketkeeper to score a double hundred in Tests. The previous record was held by Budhi Kunderan (192).
Earlier, Sachin Tendulkar missed out on his 52nd Test hundred and scored 81. But, Virat Kohli slammed his 4th Test hundred. He made 104. Dhoni took the centrestage after Kohli’s departure. He hit 22 boundaries and 5 sixes in his unbeaten 206.
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar gave tremendous support to Dhoni during their unbeaten ninth-wicket partnership of 109. At close on Day 3, India finished at 515/8. James Pattinson took four wickets, while Lyon took three.
Since Australia had scored 380 in the first innings, India now have a crucial 135-run lead with two wickets in hand. That could be decisive on the turning Chennai wicket when Australia come to bat in the second innings.
Latest Update: India bowled out for 572 in the first innings with a lead of 192 runs. Skipper Dhoni made 224. Bhuvneshwar Kumar contributed 39. Dhoni and Kumar added 140 runs for the 9th wicket. Pattinson took five wickets, while Lyon took three.
An epic knock by Dhoni, really changed the complexion of the game. At one stage, it looked as though the lead was going to be 20-30 with the tail not going to hang around, but a s splendid counter attack with some able support from Bhuvi has helped India to get a lead of 120 odd. Hope they can add 50-60 more runs to the lead!
For All Dhoni bashers who have criticized him for not performing in tests, please compare him with other keeper batsmen and see how he has performed in comparison to them. I had written an article last year abt it.