Harbjhajan Singh, the fiery spinner who sparked the “Monkeygate” scandal during the Sydney Test of 2008, has been recalled to India’s squad for the first Test against Australia in Chennai on February 22.
The 32-year-old offspinner was dumped during the home series against England earlier this summer but now could be set to form a three-pronged spin attack alongside Pragyan Ojha and Ravi Ashwin.
Legspinner Piyush Chawla makes way for Harbhajan after Chawla went without a wicket in England’s second innings of the fourth Test in Nagpur in December.
Harbhajan is remembered in Australia as the man who was suspended for three matches after his clash with Andrew Symonds in 2008. However the ban was reduced to a fine on appeal.
The spinner’s over-the-top celebrations after dismissing his “bunny” Ricky Ponting have also left a stain on his standing within Australian cricket, although the pair will have the chance to work on their friendship when they play for the Mumbai Indians in April in the Indian Premier League Twenty20.
Harbhajan, who is one match shy of reaching the 100-Test milestone, praised Ponting after his November retirement from Test cricket and said the Australian is one of the greats of the game.
India’s 15-man squad for the first two Tests of the four-match series against Australia doesn’t included opener Gautam Gambhir, who has been axed.
Gambhir will captain India A in a three-day game against Australia in Chennai starting on February 16.
India squad: MS Dhoni (capt), Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay, Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ravi Ashwin, Pragyan Ojha, Ashok Dinda.
JGK
Roar Guru
I see that the ABC aren't going to call the tests after the BCCIs fee demands. Not only that, they wouldn't even give Jim Maxwell media accreditation to report on the matches.
The Duffster
Roar Rookie
Harbhajan for me is like bloody Kevin Pietersen. These guys can struggle for form all year and then as soon as they play us they are unstoppable. I predict they will both torment us over the next few series. The stats seem to back it up too with their respective bowling and batting averages against Australia superior to their career avergaes and their best individual performances (HS: 8/84, KP: 227) both against Australia. We just seem to bring the best out in these guys.
lolly
Guest
I think Sehwag will bowl a fair few overs for them, he's got that over Gambhir. He's a lovely bowler to watch.
Jammel
Guest
Haha - agreed!
pope paul v11
Guest
You are right pj, this is trivial. I just heard Pope Benedict XVI is retiring! The new bloke better not nick my name!
pj
Guest
who gives a rats #@%* who plays? why get so involved? you guys arent playing, nor are you selecting. just sit back and watch/listen to the matches. after watching the windies for the odi's, think theyre on the up. that is good. can develope into a decent team. cricket needs a good windies side always. no, im a white aussie and, unbiased. havin the aussies win for so long was good but better if all competitive.
Brian
Guest
Leaving out Gambhir will help them, lucky for Australia Sehwag & Tendulker still there. Its really sad to say that but I think that is what it has come to.
Seano
Guest
Left a stain on his standing in Australia???? Really?? I think the turbanator is awesome people don't like him coz he plays like an Australian!!! -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8].
matt h
Guest
I think they'll play Jadeja at 7 (Dhoni at 6) and two other spinners. Not sure which though. My gut says Ohja could be left out, but that would be very unlucky on his part.
matt h
Guest
:-)
Rob Barrow
Guest
It won't need help if they are spinning decks, they will get 20 wickets with their spinners.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Three pacemen. Surely just for show. reckon they play Ishant and Dinda maybe, with Ashwin, Ohja and the turbanator. Jadeja has big wraps however I think Harbhajan might have the front running as he has plenty of experience while our lads not so much, so the selectors and the man himself may think they can bluff the tourists. If the pitch is particularly moribund they may only play poor old Ishant and play for 4 spinners, 3 of which bat pretty well.
Red Kev
Guest
Opener Gambhir - no test centuries in three years - India drop him. Opener Watson - no test centuries in three years - Australia rearrange the batting order to make sure he is included.
Disco
Roar Guru
Leaving out Gambhir is an interesting call.
Jamiej
Guest
Be honest, this isn't the strongest looking Indian squad I've ever seen. Batting is good, but that attack needs help to get 20 wickets.