India sweat over Harbhajan fitness ahead of Test
Friday, 1 October 2010
MOHALI, India, Sept 30 (AFP): Indian star off-spinner Harbhajan Singh is doubtful for Friday's opening Test against Australia in Mohali due to a leg injury.
"We will decide on Harbhajan tomorrow morning," India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni told reporters Thursday.
Harbhajan has been a constant menace to Australia since leading India to a stunning 2-1 series victory over Steve Waugh's team with a 32-wicket haul in three home matches in 2001.
He has taken 79 wickets in 14 Tests against Australia.
"He has been our main spinner since Anil Kumble left cricket (in 2008). He has been well-supported by (spinners) Amit Mishra and Pragyan Ojha, but the main attack has always revolved around him," said Dhoni.
"It is a bit of a concern, but you can't control cricketing injuries. We're just hoping he'll be available for selection, but if he's not we'll have to make use of the available resources in the best possible manner."
Harbhajan's loss would be a major blow to India as he is the most experienced spinner in the squad, with 357 wickets in 85 Tests.
The Indian skipper said his team were not under pressure because of their number-one Test ranking, but were keen on playing competitive cricket and winning "more sessions" than the opposition.
"You are expected to win if you are playing at home. Your ranking doesn't matter much," said Dhoni.
India (from): Mahendra Singh Dhoni (capt), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Venkatsai Laxman, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Amit Mishra, Pragyan Ojha, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, Cheteshwar Pujara, Murali Vijay.
Australia (from): Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Doug Bollinger, Peter George, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, Phillip Hughes, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Marcus North, Tim Paine, Steven Smith, Shane Watson, Mitchell Starc, James Pattinson.
"We will decide on Harbhajan tomorrow morning," India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni told reporters Thursday.
Harbhajan has been a constant menace to Australia since leading India to a stunning 2-1 series victory over Steve Waugh's team with a 32-wicket haul in three home matches in 2001.
He has taken 79 wickets in 14 Tests against Australia.
"He has been our main spinner since Anil Kumble left cricket (in 2008). He has been well-supported by (spinners) Amit Mishra and Pragyan Ojha, but the main attack has always revolved around him," said Dhoni.
"It is a bit of a concern, but you can't control cricketing injuries. We're just hoping he'll be available for selection, but if he's not we'll have to make use of the available resources in the best possible manner."
Harbhajan's loss would be a major blow to India as he is the most experienced spinner in the squad, with 357 wickets in 85 Tests.
The Indian skipper said his team were not under pressure because of their number-one Test ranking, but were keen on playing competitive cricket and winning "more sessions" than the opposition.
"You are expected to win if you are playing at home. Your ranking doesn't matter much," said Dhoni.
India (from): Mahendra Singh Dhoni (capt), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Venkatsai Laxman, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Amit Mishra, Pragyan Ojha, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, Cheteshwar Pujara, Murali Vijay.
Australia (from): Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Doug Bollinger, Peter George, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, Phillip Hughes, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Marcus North, Tim Paine, Steven Smith, Shane Watson, Mitchell Starc, James Pattinson.