Australia took a 4-0 lead in the ODI series thanks to Kane Richardson’s maiden ODI five-wicket haul after India collapsed from 277/1 to 323 all out in their pursuit of Australia’s 348 in the fourth ODI in Canberra.
After winning the toss, Australia got to 348 on the back of Aaron Finch’s century, but would have been disappointed as they looked on course for a score well in excess of 350. When India were cruising at 277/1 thanks to centuries from Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli it looked as though that might come back to haunt them.
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But John Hastings removed Shikhar Dhawan and MS Dhoni in his final over and changed the complexion of the match. Kohli then followed soon after as Richardson ran riot and India eventually fell short by 25 runs.
Indian captain MS Dhoni takes the blame upon himself
After the match MS Dhoni said: "I'm not angry, I'm disappointed. This was one game we should have batted much better. I'll take responsibility, I should have carried on but I got out.
“There was a bit of pressure on the youngsters. 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.”
Dhoni was also full of praise for India’s top three, 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.”
Australian captain Steven Smith on his side’s approach
Speaking after winning a game that looked almost impossible, Smith said: "It looked like they were cruising, a coupe, of wickets, swing things. Richardson did very well as well. You have to try everything when Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan were batting, it felt like we needed 15 or 16 fielders.
“We had a never say die attitude tonight. When we had a sniff, we made a run for it.”
Man of the Match Kane Richardson said: "It's a funny old game, cricket. We always knew it would speed up once we got a wicket but we did not get it. Hastings could be up here as well. You try and bowl good balls but sometimes they go for sixes. It's our job to try and stop them.
Plenty of former and current Australian and Indian cricketers took to Twitter after India’s batting collapse:
Aakash Chopra was playing the devil’s advocate:
Before talking about the problem India needs to immediately address:
Dean Jones:
India's finishing woes highlighted once again, as Aakash Chopra notes:
Former Australian fast bowler Damien Fleming, who earlier in the day jinxed Steven Smith, was understandably happy:
Tom Moody:
Former Australian batsman Damien Martyn:
Harsha Bhogle:
Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman:
Australian batsman Callum Ferguson:
Former Australian bowler, Nathan Bracken was full of praise for Kohli:
Mitchell Starc, who is currently out injured, had this to say:
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