Harbhajan’s absence at Mohali - a bonus for Kangaroos, a blow for Indians
Michael Clark, Australian vice-captain, has opined Harbhajan Singh’s absence at Mohali would be huge bonus for Kangaroos. Harbhajan is struggling with an injury these days and there are talks in the air that the prolific spinner might miss the first Test
against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 that begins from 1st October at Mohali cricket stadium.
Michael http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120 said that the side has great respect for the off-spinner and was confident about Harbhajan’s presence at Mohali. The vice-captain of visitors told the media reporters that the Australians are well-aware of Harbhajan Singh’s love for playing
against Australia so the batting line-up is preparing how to tackle with the off-spins of Singh. However, he did add that if he (Harbhajan) does not make the playing XIs at Mohali then it would be a plus for his side.
"I am very confident Harbhajan will play. I know how much he loves playing against Australia," he told the reporters at a press conference there in India. “But if doesn't play, it would be a huge bonus for us. He has enjoyed quite a success against Australia."
Responding to a question regarding altercations between the off-spinner and Australian cricketers, Clarke said he said that there are certain players in all teams around the world who like confrontations and perform better with that kind of altercations.
"Certain players like confrontation and perform better with that but it was one aspect which we are not going to focus on and our eye would be on Harbhajan the bowler."
Clarke hailed Harbhajan’s spin bowling and accepted that the 30-year-old is one of the best spinners the game has ever seen. The T20 captain of Australia further added that it is always hard to face Harbhajan under any conditions.
Talking about the reverse swing attack of the hosts, Clarke said that the pace bowlers with their reverse swing have the ability to bother the Australian line-up but at the same time he was positive that the Australian batsmen would successfully face the
pace attack at the home grounds of Indian cricket team. The pace attack of the home side would be lead by Zaheer Khan and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ishant-Sharma-c64566, while Australian pace armoury includes Mitchell Johnson and Shaun Tait.
Availability of Harbhajan in tomorrow’s Test match is still uncertain. The Indian skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 conquering the second Champions League T20 for Chennai Super Kings, told the media reporters today
that final decision about inclusion of Singh into playing XIs would taken on the morning of 1st Test.
Two days ago, the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Punjab-c833 player was purportedly seen with a bandaged ankle at the PCA stadium in Mohali. It was later revealed that the off-spinner had gotten some side sprain and was advised rest after an MRI scan. Harbhajan’s absence in the first Test
will be a serious blow to the plans of home side benefitting the opposition.
Clarke also expressed satisfaction on leadership of Ricky Ponting, saying he was a great motivator and has led the Aussies by example.
"Ricky is an inspiration for the youngsters. He is as fit as I have ever seen him. He's training as hard as ever and I think the next 6-12 months will be as big as you have seen from Ricky. His best is yet to come," Clarke said.
Both the sides will meet each other at Mohali tomorrow, Friday the 1st October at 4:00 GMT. Australia, if wins the Test series, would climb a place above in the ICC Test rankings ahead of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 would push
them behind their Ashes rivals, England on the rankings table.
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