'Murali can even turn on ice'
CRICKET: Harbhajan Singh, the Indian offspinner, has said that his
relationship with Greg Chappell has improved considerably and has
acknowledged the coach's role in India's recent success.
During the hyped public spat between Chappell and Sourav Ganguly,
Harhajan had openly accused India's coach of adopting double standards
and instilling "fear and insecurity" among the national cricketers, but
matters have taken a turn for the better.
"It took some time for me to get adjusted to a new coach. Today I
enjoy playing under him [Chappell]," Harbhajan told the Press Trust of
India. "He has great knowledge about the game and it has been a very
successful year for us under him. He has lifted our team to great
heights."
Harbhajan has struggled to regain the form that saw him collect 32
wickets in three Tests against Australia in 2001 while none of his
team-mates managed more than three, but came back well in the one-dayers
against England recently.
He said it was his intent to pick up valuable tips from other
contemporary spinners and apply it to his trade. "I am happy with what I
have achieved so far in the last six years and I see another 10 years
ahead of me," he said. "I have learned the most from Anil Kumble.
I have got many wickets because Kumble has bowled very tightly from
the other end." There were special words for Sri Lanka's Muttiah
Muralitharan as well.
"Muralitharan is the finest offspinner. He can even turn on ice,"
Harbhajan said. "He has the revolution in the air which many bowlers do
not have and that makes him a special bowler. Muralitharan's wrist is so
supple that he can get those revolutions very well.
My wrist is not like his and moreover he is a legend." Recalling the
occasions when he was reported for chucking, Harbhajan, who has 227
wickets in 55 Tests, said: "It was the toughest phase of my career. I
consider that period as a bad dream. I am happy I have come out of it."
Harbhajan is part of the Test and one-day sides set to play five one-day
internationals and four Tests against West Indies from May 12.
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