Australia vs India: MS Dhoni was out in the 29th over but the hosts didn't even appeal

MS Dhoni was sent in to bat at number four in the absence of Ambati Rayudu and the decision turned out to be a masterstroke. The veteran remained unbeaten until the end on 87 off 114 balls and won the game for his team thereby also sealing the first bilateral series in Australia. However, Dhoni had luck on his side on the day and apart from the first-ball drop from Glenn Maxwell, he should’ve walked back to the hut only for the Aussies to not appeal.

The incident happened in the 29th over of India’s chase when the partnership between Virat Kohli and Dhoni was blossoming. But the slow pitch and the increasing required run-rate had increased pressure on the latter especially as he had played way too many dot balls yet again. Dhoni charged to Peter Siddle in the fifth ball of the over and tried to heave the ball out of the ground.

But he missed it completely and the ball went past his inside edge to the wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Siddle, just for a second, queried the umpire over a possible edge even as Maxwell, standing at point, was more vociferous in his appeal. But there was nothing from the keeper who is key in taking such decisions. Australia didn’t even ponder for a review.

Replays suggest something else

But when the hotspot came into play in the next over, it showed that MS Dhoni had inside-edged the ball on its way to the wicketkeeper. There was a slight mark on the hotspot and even the Real-time Snicko confirmed the same as Australia missed a huge chance to dismiss the master. Eventually, it turned out to be a game-changing moment as Dhoni didn’t get out and finished for the second consecutive time in the series.

Apart from this, Dhoni was also lucky in not getting run-out after several mix-ups with Virat Kohli during their 54-run stand for the third wicket. Though after Kohli fell Dhoni didn’t take any chance and concentrated on playing until the end which worked in India’s favour.

Here’s the video:

Not much of an appeal from the Aussies, but it looks like Dhoni has edged that! Not out… #CloseMatters#AUSvIND | @GilletteAU pic.twitter.com/6iOl7tfrGD

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 18, 2019

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