Former India captain MS Dhoni has turned 43 on July 7, 2004. Compared to the limited-overs format, Dhoni’s success in both captaincy and batting has been less in Test cricket. The keeper-batter has played 90 Test matches before hanging up his boots in the longer format in 2014.
Batting in middle-order, the right-hander amassed 4876 runs at an average of 38.09, including six centuries, one double hundred and 33 half-centuries. As the legendary cricketer celebrates his special day, let’s take a look at three of his best batting performances in Test cricket.
Here are MS Dhoni’s top three performances in Tests:
3. 76* vs England at Lords, 2007
Dhoni’s defiant knock in the fourth innings helped India draw the match and win the series 1-0 against England in 2007 at Lord’s. India needed to chase down 380 runs and were in trouble at one stage. However, Dhoni and VVs Laxman stitched a crucial partnership to keep the hosts at bay. Dhoni remained unbeaten on 76 and ended the final day at 282/9. Weather also played a crucial factor in the game ending in a draw.
2. 148 vs Pakistan, Faislabad, 2006
Playing in just his fifth Test match, Dhoni played a stunning knock against arch-rivals Pakistan in the second Test of the 2006 India tour of Pakistan. In response to Pakistan’s 588 in the first innings, India posted 603 runs. Dhoni, who scored 148 runs off 153 balls, was helped by then captain Rahul Dravid (103) and all-rounder Irfan Pathan (90). Pakistan declared their second innings at 490/8 and set India a target of 476 runs. The match eventually ended in a draw.
Also Read: Top 3 performances by MS Dhoni in ODI
1. 224 vs Australia, Chennai, 2013
Dhoni’s only double century came at his IPL home ground – Chepauk Stadium in Chennai -during the first Test of the 2013 Australia tour of India. In reply to Australia’s first-innings score of 380, India had a shaky start. Dhoni walked out to bat at No. 6 when the hosts were struggling at 196/4.
However, the India captain stitched a crucial partnership with Virat Kohli and pulled India out of trouble. On the back of Dhoni’s 224 (265) and Kohli’s 107(206), India posted a mammoth score of 572. The visitors were bundled out for 241 and India easily chased down the target of 50 runs in the final innings.