Date:22/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/22/stories/2008102250150100.htm

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India thrashes Australia

Special Correspondent

Dhoni wins Man of the Match award for aggressive captaincy and batting

— Photo: S.Subramanium

PROUD MOMENT: M.S.Dhoni after the feat.

Mohali: India scored a thumping 320-run win over Australia in the second cricket Test here on Tuesday to take a 1-0 lead in the four-match series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

It was India’s biggest win in terms of runs — not counting victories by innings or wickets — in Test cricket. Creditably, it was achieved against the world champion.

Resuming at 141 for five on the fifth day, Australia failed to last the first session. Left-arm seamer Zaheer Khan claimed three wickets in his first two overs of the day, accounting for Brad Haddin (37), Cameron White, and Brett Lee, to help India bowl the visiting side out for 195 in its second innings.

Spirited resistance

Michael Clarke (69, 152b, 9x4) offered spirited resistance before falling to leg-spinner Amit Mishra. He was the last Australian batsman to be dismissed.

M.S. Dhoni, who led India after Anil Kumble pulled out of the match with an injured shoulder, won the Man of the Match award for his aggressive captaincy and batting (92 and 68 not out). “We played attacking cricket and maintained the pressure right through,” he said. “It was a team effort.”

Ponting’s pat

Australian captain Ricky Ponting conceded that his side was outplayed. “They were nice and aggressive with their batting early on and it took all the momentum away from us from the start of the game,” he said.