File photo of MS Dhoni and Michael Clarke.
© AFP
The four-Test series between Australia and India has so far been gripped by intense sledging and verbal assaults from both sides but injured Aussie captain Michael Clarke cast aside ill-feelings to pay glowing tributes to MS Dhoni, who retired from Test cricket after the drawn third match in Melbourne on Tuesday. (BCCI failed to change Dhoni's mind)
Clarke, who scored a hundred in Adelaide before opting out of the Brisbane and MCG Tests due to a hamstring injury, took to Twitter and said Dhoni was one of the nicest guys he has played against. (Dhoni's roller coaster Test ride ends)
The current series has threatened to turn ugly with the likes of Virat Kohli, David Warner, Mitchell Johnson and Brad Haddin getting involved in serious verbal duels. However, Dhoni has always been seen as the calming influence on a young side studded with temperamental players. (The Ranchi boy who left the world in his wake)
Dhoni's exit from Test cricket has drawn mixed reactions with several Indian fans and ex-captains hoping a more aggressive Kohli would make a difference to India's dwindling fortunes overseas. (A Career overview of MS Dhoni)
However, Clarke said Dhoni will be missed in Test cricket. Both men have led their countries against each other in six Tests and each has won three. Theirs was a tough, intense competition, never overshadowed by rude words or angry gestures. ('Dhoni didn't quit in haste, he was cool about it')
After leading India to No. 1 in the ICC Test rankings, Dhoni suffered a spate of embarrassing losses overseas. Since 2011, India won only two out of 22 Tests away from India and his own form was appalling this year -- Dhoni averaged only 33 in 17 innings with India winning only one in 10 Tests. (Dhoni knew Kohli was ready for Test captaincy: Gavaskar)
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