Morale of team quite high, claims Harbhajan Singh
Thursday, January 23 2003 19:27 Hrs (IST)

Jalandhar: Dismissing India's poor performance in New Zealand as a one-off thing, champion off spinner Harbhajan Singh on Thursday said the team was motivated to do well in the next month's World Cup and confident of a 1983 en core.

"The basic reason why we failed there (New Zealand) was the pitch condition. The moist and bouncy pitches troubled us a lot," Harbhajan said in an interview.

"Moreover if we compare the performances of both the sides, the Kiwis also played bad cricket, though they won at the end of the day," he said.

Upbeat about his debut World Cup, Harbhajan said he will stick to his usual style and desist from experimenting too much despite the fast pitches in South Africa, which are not conducive to his kind of bowling.

"I will stick to my technique and hope that I will bring bag full of wickets for my team."

He said the hard tracks would also be of help to the batsmen as the ball will come on nicely to the bat "and I will have to check that".

Despite the team being placed in a tough pool having Australia, England and Pakistan, "the players will certainly cross all the barriers and bring home the trophy, as the team has a good blend of youth and experience", Harbhajan said.

"We also have proven world class performers in our ranks," said Harbhajan, hardly able to conceal the fact that he was raring to have a go at the mega event.

Harbhajan did not take kindly to comments made by former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu that Sachin Tendulkar should be promoted up the batting order.

"I think one should leave such decisions to the captain and coach. Commentators should stick to their task only."

Harbhajan avoided a direct reply on the vexed contract issue but said the controversy was the least on his mind.

"I am here to play cricket and the Board is there to look after the interests of the players."

The offie was not too overwhelmed with the prospect of playing traditions foes Pakistan during the World Cup.

"We take Pakistan as any other team. It is just the fans who have a different vision when we play against them."

But Harbhajan did give due credit to Australia saying it was the toughest to beat given its form. "I rate Australia quite high but we have beaten them in the past and we will hope to do the same when we meet again."

The "Turbanator" who holds the record for taking maximum wickets in a three-Test series (32 against Australia in 2001), said the first six league matches in the Cup would be very crucial.

"It will be a challenge. Our performance in these matches will determine whether we qualify for the Super Six stage."

The bowler was pleased with the progress he had made with the bat in recent past.

"In fact batting of all the tailenders has improved. Zaheer Khan and Ajit Agarkar have performed well with the bat and have helped the team win matches, which is a good sign with the World Cup around the corner."

PTI

Extras:
Agarkar at best a directionless weather cock: Sidhu