A historic win for India in what was effectively a 13-session match. That Dhawan blitz set it up after Australia had put up 408. You don;t see sides losing after scoring 400 in four-day matches. Despite all the fight on the final day, Australia have problems and problems staring. India can rejoice and celebrate and aim to win four Tests in a series for the first time in their Test history. We will be back with that final Test this Friday. Cheers
Quotes from the presentation
"I would like to thank god and my family," says Shikhar Dhawan, MoM. "It's s dream come true. When I entered, I was nervous for three-four balls. Once I got into my rhythm, I played my natural game. Vijay did a great job too. 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. 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."
"We don't think about revenge in sport," says MS Dhoni. "We have exploited the conditions well. Even the fast bowlers have done well despite conditions helping spinners. Jadeja's inclusion has helped. It meant we were playing with five specialist bowlers. We bowl 12-125 overs on an average to get teams out, so we get tired. It was one of the best batting exhibitions when it comes to batting in pairs, Vijay and Dhawan. The pitch got better to bat on a bit. There were foot marks, but I don't think it was alarming. Bhuvnesh's wickets in the second innings helped us win the game. We may try a few things in Delhi but it is important to win all Tests."
"I think we showed character," says Michael Clarke. "But we have to give credit to India. The start that Dhawan and Vijay gave was outstanding, and 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. Over the past two years, we have been consistent at home, but not away from home. We continue to learn, there are some positives but there are certainly areas we can get better. I told the boys this morning that we can win the match. We always look for ways to win."
Dhoni is cool about this, but Fletcher is shouting and almost seems he might invade the field. Jadeja is jubilant, Dhoni doesn't show much emption. He takes one stump out as souvenir. This is only the fourth time India have won three Tests in a series, and only the third time they have led by 3-0. The physio has plucked out a stump for the injured Dhawan.
Australia have now lost eight of their last 10 Tests in India, but they can hold their heads high after today. They stretched this all the way with such limited resources. Just hang around for the quotes from presentation
Two slips, five more men saving one
