Mohali: Shikhar Dhawan, who got the man-of-match award for his stupendous 187 on his debut Test match against Australia at Mohali which India won by six wickets, said that it was a dream come true for him.
"I would like to thank god and my family. It's dream come true. When I came to the crease, I was nervous for three-four balls. But once I got into my rhythm, I played my natural game,” said Dhawan, who was in all praise for his opening partner Murali Vijay.
“He did a great job too. He played quite sensibly and checked on his strokes and held the wicket from other end. I wanted to stay at the crease as long as possible. I didn't want to throw my wicket away. I will cherish this for the rest of my life,” said Dhawan, adding that he would take a bit of time for recuperating from his finger injury.
“The finger is going to take a bit of a time. It's all part and parcel of the game. I fell on my knuckles when I dived," Dhawan said.
Meanwhile after their win at Mohali that gave India a 3-0 lead against Australia for the first time in 81-year old Test history, Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was in all praise for his players but credited the opening stand between Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay in the first innings and Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s fiery spell on the fourth day for the historic victory in the four-match Test series.
“Vijay and Dhawan’s partnership in the first innings was one of the best batting exhibitions when it comes to batting in pairs. And later in the second innings, it was Bhuvneshwar’s wickets that helped us win the game,” said Dhoni in the post-match presentation, adding the pitch got better to bat on a bit later.
“The pitch got better to bat on a bit. There were foot marks but I don't think it was alarming. We have exploited the conditions well. Even the fast bowlers have done well despite conditions helping spinners. I think Ravindra Jadeja's inclusion has helped as it meant we were playing with five specialist bowlers,” said Dhoni, adding that India might try out a few things in Delhi but the most important thing for them was to win all Tests.
“And we don't think about revenge in sport," replied the Indian skipper when asked if the revenge against Australia was complete.
Meanwhile Australian skipper Michael Clarke credited India for the win. "I think we showed character. But we have to give credit to India. The start that Dhawan and Vijay gave was outstanding. All credit to them. The way we came out and fought with the ball today is amazing but once again the Indian batters showed us that once you get in, you have to score big. We are disappointed, but hopefully we can finish on a high in Delhi,” said Clarke.
By Indian Sports News