We definitely have an edge, says Harbhajan

05 January,2011 09:35 AM IST |   |  Agencies

Harbhajan Singh whose played little cameo of 40 and then got two crucial wickets feels that Indians will have an edge going into the penultimate day of the match. We definitely have an edge.


Harbhajan Singh whose played little cameo of 40 and then got two crucial wickets feels that Indians will have an edge going into the penultimate day of the match. "We definitely have an edge.

But we still need to bowl well. In-form players like Kallis and Amla are still there.

We have to get these guys as soon as possible. If we can do that, we'll be right on the track," Harbhajan told reporters here after the end of day's play. "The first target is to get them out. Then whether we have to chase 150-200-250, you have to back yourselves and go and do it. We aren't thinking too far and just concentrating on bowling in the right areas tomorrow. The key will be Kallis and Amla," the offie added.

The 'Turbanator' admitted that it was one of the great day of Test cricket with Sachin Tendulkar and Dale Steyn being the stand-out performers.

"Sachin got another brilliant hundred and Steyn was brilliant, swinging the ball from leg stump to off stump. We can't really ask for more from a day's cricket. We have the edge, slightly, but still need to do a lot of work to win this game." He maintained that the wicket isn't providing much turn for the spinners but one needs to bowl in right areas and give the ball air in order to get it to swing. "Whatever is there, I have to bowl the right sort of length. There is not much spin. I bowled a lot of overs in the first innings. Now, if you toss it up a bit, there's some spin. There is a bit of bounce and but it's of variable nature. If you hit the right areas, you can pick up important wickets," was his reading of the strip.

Harbhajan's batting has been a revelation of late but he feels that it's more about enjoying the batting and playing his natural game.

"I always enjoy my batting. I don't have the technique to bat like Dravid, Tendulkar or Kallis. This is the way I know. If the ball is in the slot, I know it's going to disappear. Nice to get another 50-60. Always greedy," he smiled.

While batting, he feels that with his technique, offence is always the best defence. "With my technique I could have got hit on my ribs or somewhere else. Once I started playing my shots they didn't bowl the right line to me."

He didn't wish to name the batsman with whom he has enjoyed batting.

"Hard to say, with whom I enjoy batting. But when playing with Laxman and Sachin, they've been very helpful. In Sydney, I batted with Sachin and again today. They have a lot of things to tell me. Sachin told me to play my natural game and counter-attack was the best option."

One of the senior members of this team, Harbhajan feels that when the top two nations in world cricket are playing, it is bound to be competitive and aggressive.

"When top two sides play, there's a lot of competitiveness but I think everything is under control. If you feel that this is the way you want to play, then you should go ahead and have aggression and express yourself. This is Test cricket, not some match in the park. Both teams are doing what they can to try and win the match."

When questioned about S Sreesanth being booed by the spectators, he said in jest, "Let the crowd enjoy. Obviously Sree is getting more famous. I got booed in Australia and enjoyed it, let Sree enjoy here."

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