CHANDIGARH, India, (Reuters) – Australia will require a proper plan to negate the threat posed by India’s left-arm pace bowler Zaheer Khan and off-spinner Harbhajan Singh in the forthcoming two-test series, vice-captain Michael Clarke said on Thursday.
“Zaheer Khan is a wonderful bowler with the new ball and he can reverse it with the old ball,” Clarke was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency.
“Harbhajan Singh too has had a lot of success in test cricket, against Australia in particular. Both are probably two of India’s best bowlers who have had the experience of playing a lot against Australia.
“We have to come up with a plan to combat these two.” His views found support in team mate Shane Watson, who reckoned Zaheer’s grasp over swing makes the Indian a difficult bowler.
“It is always the hardest thing facing the new ball that swings. It had a huge impact on (an earlier) series (with India),” said Watson.
The Australian all-rounder also seemed to have high regards for Harbhajan, whom he described as a “brilliant exponent of spin bowling”.
Australia play the first test at Mohali on Oct. 1 and Clarke said beating India at home would not be an easy task.
“We know it’s going to be a tough challenge. India is a strong team, but if we can play our best cricket, we can beat them in the series.
“It is always hard to play against India, especially on their home soil. It’s hard to come here and enjoy success, but we need to play as best as we possibly can.”
