I don't mind opening the batting: Harbhajan

06 January,2011 08:29 AM IST |   |  Debasish Datta

As though picking seven wickets wasn't enough, offie Harbhajan is eager to shine with bat too in India's 340-run final chase


As though picking seven wickets wasn't enough, offie Harbhajan is eager to shine with bat too in India's 340-run final chase

With the third and final Test match against the Proteas tantaslisingly poised ufffd India have been set a victory target of 340 runs ufffd Harbhajan Singh has made a rather unorthodox proposal to the Indian team management.

Harbhajan Singh walks off the pitch after taking seven of South Africa's wickets in the second innings on the fourth day of the third Test at the Newlands Stadium yesterday. pic/AFP

The series is tied 1-1 this far, and a victory will see India create history by winning their first ever Test series in South Africa. And having scored a quickfire 40 in India's first innings, the aggressive off-spinner is now keen to open the batting on the final day today.


"It's a tough task ufffd it is like a Twenty20 situation. I don't mind going and opening the batting for my team. I have also told this to the team management," Harbhajan told MiD DAY yesterday.u00a0u00a0

South Africa's ace all-rounder Jacques Kallis defied a rib injury to remain unbeaten on 109 ufffd his second ton of the match and third of the series ufffd to help the hosts recover from a precarious 130 for six to post a daunting total of 341.

Harbhajan admitted the Indian bowlers erred with their length. "We did not bowl that well. They were six for 130 at one point. We should have done better with the second new ball, but we did not bowl the right length," he said.

Harbhajan was however more than satisfied with his bowling effort.u00a0 He was the pick of the Indian bowlers in the second innings claiming seven wickets for 120 runs.

"As far as my bowling is concerned, I will not say anything. I have no complaints. It is for the critics to comment on myu00a0 bowling. There is excellent bounce and spin on the wickets here as compared to India. I would welcome more matches outside my country," he said.

The offie however doffed his hat to the in-form Kallis.

"Hats off to Kallis. I have seen very few cricketers play such a magnificent innings. He is the best, after Sachin Tendulkar. But I'm expecting some firecrackers from Virender Sehwag today," said Harbhajan.
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Harbhajan Singh India South Africa Test Series