Dhoni searches for answers

Michael Clarke and company celebrate as Rohit Sharma departs cheaply © Getty Images

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni admitted his side did nothing right after they crashed to a humiliating defeat in their Twenty20 international against Australia.

India did not even last the 20 overs as they were bowled out for 74, the second lowest total in international Twenty20 history, while Australia knocked off the required runs for the loss of just one wicket at the MCG.

The tourists lost a wicket in each of their first four overs as their top order crumbled, and only Irfan Pathan made it into double figures.

“I think the only good thing we did was to win the toss,” said Dhoni. “We lost quite a few early wickets and quite a few of the guys forgot their roles and responsibilities.

“And if we don’t have enough runs on the board then the bowlers can’t really do their job. But if the guys learn from this they will come back.”

Australia captain Michael Clarke was named man of the match after executing a magnificent run-out of Virender Sehwag and taking a fine catch to dismiss Harbhajan Singh, before hitting an unbeaten innings.

He lauded a fine team effort, saying: “What a fantastic performance. The crowd was fantastic; we were really up for the game and that really showed out there in the middle.”

Clarke also had words of praise for the inexperienced Australian bowling attack, which included debutant Dave Hussey - brother of team-mate Mike - Adam Voges, James Hopes and Ashley Noffke.

All four were among the wickets, and Clarke added: “Our bowlers have done a fantastic job. Credit to the state sides for allowing the players to be so competitive so when they step up to the international stage they know exactly what to do.”

Adam Gilchrist, in his last Twenty20 international before retiring, admitted the match was very one-sided.

The wicketkeeper hit 25 at quicker than a run a ball before being caught by Gautam Gambhir off Praveen Kumar.

He said: “The crowd did not get the close contest they wanted but it’s all about entertainment.

“It was a very lopsided game and it was over and done with pretty quickly, but everyone was entertained by that fielding and bowling.”