#OTD: MS Dhoni bid farewell to Test cricket
MSD retired on this day [Source: Twitter]
On this day, eight years ago, MS Dhoni called time on his illustrious Test career. He played his last red-ball match for India against Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
India save the fixture, but Australia take the series
Batting first, Australia posted a mammoth total of 530 on the board, with contributions from Steven Smith (192) and Brad Haddin (55). Mohammed Shami picked three wickets for the visitors.
Then, Virat Kohli (169) and Ajinkya Rahane (147) were sensational to help India score 465 and keep the team in the hunt for a win. Afterwards, the knocks of Shaun Marsh (99) and Chris Rogers (69) paved the way for the hosts to set a target of 382 on the last day.
The pair of Kohli (54) and Rahane (48) again came to India's rescue, as they built up a solid stand. However, their wickets put the Indian team under the pump. In the end, Dhoni (24*) and Ravichandran Ashwin remained unbeaten as they saved a nervy game for the team. However, Australia secured a 2-0 series victory.
Aftermath of the series loss, captain Dhoni dropped the bombshell in the dressing room of him retiring from Test format. He cited the reason of hectic schedule, but ensured his continuity as a limited-overs player.
Taking a look at MS Dhoni's Test career
MS Dhoni featured in 90 Tests and garnered 4876 runs at an average of 38.09, including 33 fifties and six tons.
He captained the country in 60 Test matches, while winning in 27 of them from 2008 to 2014. Under his leadership, India topped the team rankings for the first time in the Test history.
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