File photo of Shikhar Dhawan.
© AFP
India skipper MS Dhoni on Saturday admitted that the management didn't handle the situation well after the overnight not out batsman Shikhar Dhawan was injured and Virat Kohli was asked to start the day with Cheteshwar Pujara. Dhawan suffered a wrist injury during the nets before the start of fourth day's play. India started the day at 71 for one still trailing by 26 runs. (As it Happened | Scorecard | Pics)
"There was a lack of communication in our dressing room over whether Shikhar will go into bat or Virat. We did not handle that situation well," Dhoni said.
"We were having a bat at the nets, the wickets were not very good and he got hit. He didn't react too badly so we thought he was fine to bat. By the time he came in he was in a lot of pain and unable to bat. We were only able to give Virat 5-7 minutes to prepare. That created some unrest in the dressing room," he added.
India were rocked by Mitchell Johnson early on in the first session as they collapsed to 117/6. At this stage Dhawan returned to the crease and tried to give his team a substantial lead as he guided the visitors to 157 for seven at lunch.
Dhawan showed intent post lunch and slammed his second fifty. His courageous knock finally ended on 81 when he was trapped leg-before by Nathan Lyon. India were bowled out for 224, setting a paltry target of 128. India kept picking wickets at regular intervals but lost the match by four wickets. Australia have taken an unbeatable 2-0 lead with two matches to go in the series.
Dhoni said he was satisfied with his team's performance and also praised his bowlers.
"I'm pretty happy with how we have played. We have shortcomings but I'm happy how the bowlers have shaped up. They are a talented side and they have self-belief," he said.
"For a few of them they are coming here for the first time and they haven't really succumbed to the pace factor," Dhoni added.
The third Test of the four-match series starts on December 26 and Dhoni is hoping for a turn around.
"It's a pleasure playing in front of a big crowd in Melbourne. It's a special day as well (Boxing Day) and hopefully it will be good for us," said the Indian skipper.
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