MS Dhoni's boys boss over Aussies, again

The final day at Mohali on Monday once again proved that the visiting Australians had neither the will nor the application to do any better than what they have exhibited in the last one month.

Chasing a target of 133,  India won by six wickets with 15 balls to spare. The 3-0 lead has given enough reasons for the hosts to go in for a first-ever whitewash against the Australians, when  the final Test starts in Delhi from March 22.

Resuming their second innings at 75 for three, Australia had only one way to save the match — by batting long. But Nathan Lyon’s stay was cut short when he edged Pragyan Ojha to the wicketkeeper.

This brought a struggling Michael Clarke into the middle. Clarke tried everything to steady the Aussie innings. That’s when Dhoni turned to Ravindra Jadeja to give him another go at his bunny. The strategy worked as Jadeja dismissed the Aussie skipper for the fifth time in the series.

Phil Hughes, however, was  unlucky when he was given out by Aleem Dar. With him gone, it was only a question of how long the Aussie tail could wag to avoid the humiliation.

At 143 for eight, Brad Haddin and Mitchell Starc offered some resistance before the entire team was bowled out for 223. The target looked just fine as Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara, who came in for injured Dhawan, started on a positive note. For the record, Dhawan is doubtful for the next Test.

However, India had some nervous moments when they lost the top four batsmen and Dhoni was struggling to put bat to ball. However, Jadeja smashed Siddle for two boundaries and gave his skipper an opportunity to give the finishing touches.

@shekharluthra