MS Dhoni announces immediate retirement from International Test Cricket

NEW DELHI: In a surprise decision, MS Dhoni on Tuesday announcement his retirement from International Test Cricket with immediate effect. According to the BCCI release, Dhoni has chosen to retire from Test Cricket with immediate effect in order to concentrate on ODI and T20 formats.

"One of India's greatest Test Captains under whose leadership India became the No. 1 team in the Test Rankings MS Dhoni, has decided to retire from Test Cricket citing the strain of playing all formats of Cricket," read the BCCI press release.

"BCCI while respecting the decision of M S Dhoni to retire from Test Cricket, wishes to thank him for his enormous contribution to Test Cricket and the laurels that he has brought to India," the release said.

Valiant while you led. Valiant in your departure. #Respect @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/w6xdnebG3s

— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) December 30, 2014

Virat Kohli will be the captain of the Indian Team for the Fourth and Final Test against Australia to be played in Sydney from the January 6, 2015.

Meanwhile, Australia reclaimed the Border-Gavaskar trophy with a draw in the third test, as India resisted the home team's attack and batted out the final afternoon session.

Virat Kohli (54) and Ajinkya Rahane (48) led India's resistance after an early collapse, and the visitors reached 174-6 chasing the improbable victory target of 384, with stumps called four overs early.

Australia, knowing a draw would be enough to secure a series victory, waited until lunch to declare its second innings at 318-9, and ran out of time to bowl India out.

(With inputs from AP)