Friday, February 5, 2010

"Harbhajan must question his future"

"Harbhajan must question his future"
Former South Africa coach Mickey Arthur has questioned Harbhajan Singh's role in the India team.
Arthur questioned Harbhajan's role in the India team following the Proteas' convincing victory in the first Test in Nagpur.
The tourists completed an emphatic innings-and-six-run win inside four days earlier this week, with the home side's star slow bowler of recent years struggling on a pitch which was meant to suit spinners.
India slump to heavy loss against SA
Harbhajan, who has taken 347 wickets in 82 Tests, took two for 166 in his 46 overs during South Africa's first-innings 558 for six declared, but Arthur believes he should be dropped.
Writing as a guest columnist for the Indian national newspaper, he said: "The lack of penetration in the Indian attack must also be a huge cause for concern.
"Zaheer (Khan) bowled well but lacked support while Harbhajan, who has in my opinion been below his best for several years now, must be questioning his future.
"His bowling lacked the zip and sting that was so characteristic in the early years of his career. He must be honest with himself and the management and selectors must be honest too.
"There is no place for sentiment in Test cricket - reputation and history should count for very little when selecting your best XI. (Amit) Mishra bowled well but even he didn't look likely to bowl South Africa out."
Arthur, who resigned as South Africa coach only two weeks ago after close to five years in charge, praised the contributions of his countrymen Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis and Dale Steyn, but described India's middle order as "vulnerable".
He added: "Dale Steyn led the South African attack as well as any number one rank bowler has ever done in the history of Test cricket, and he deserves the highest praise.
"But if the Indian middle order represents the next generation then the current number one ranked team have problems for the future.
"They looked vulnerable at all times against pace bowling and, apart from imperious Sachin Tendulkar and the unique Virender Sehwag, never looked likely to offer any sustained resistance.
"It looked like the India of old - easily bullied and intimidated by the quick men."
The second Test in the two-match series begins in Kolkata on Sunday.

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