Dean Jones lashes out at critics for targeting MS Dhoni’s slow knock in Sydney

Indians are known for their restlessness, especially the sporting fans. But Professor Deano, being a non-Indian, perhaps is not aware of the fact and hence was surprised to see the amount of criticism that came darting at India wicket-keeper MS Dhoni after his slow innings in Sydney. The former captain came at a time when India were reeling at 4 for 3 and scored a fifty after over a year. He consumed 96 balls which saw the asking run-rate mounting and India eventually fell short of Australia’s score of 288 by 34 runs.

Dhoni has been struggling with the bat for some time now although age hasn’t affected his agility behind the wickets. The 37-year-old had an ordinary 2018 and even got dropped from the T20I sides for two consecutive series’ against the Windies and Australia. He returned to the national side for the Australia ODIs and his display in the first game earned more brickbats than bouquets even though he hit form.

Professor Deano or Dean Jones, former Australia cricketer, was surprised by the criticism and defended Dhoni saying the batsman came out to bat when India were in dire straits and needed somebody to steady the ship. Dhoni added 137 runs with opener Rohit Sharma who hit 133 in the match though it didn’t prove to be enough. Rohit also backed Dhoni in a press meet later saying Australia were bowling good at the time and they had to be given their due respect so that India did not lose another crucial wicket and allow the game to go out of reach. Rohit also expressed his personal opinion saying Dhoni should ideally bat at No.4.

Jones irked by pundits’ take on Dhoni

“I cannot believe how much criticism MS Dhoni has got about losing the game, and how the press and all the pundits in the world have gone after him,” Jones wrote in his column for The Times Of India (TOI) on Tuesday.

“Do people actually not understand what it takes to come in when the team is four for three? Number one, you have got to stop the bleeding, and he did that. Number two, he got a shocking lbw decision. And Number 3, at the end of the game with around six overs to go, Australia were worried, mainly due to the efforts of Rohit Sharma and Dhoni,” he added.

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