DUBAI: England have almost changed the face of Test cricket with their aggressively-styled ‘Bazball’ strategy. However, it remains to be seen whether they will opt for this gameplan in the forthcoming series against India starting next week. Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, for one, feels ‘Bazball’ will not work in India. “Bazball is not going to work. The conditions are going to be very difficult for England. There will be turn from the very first delivery and spinners from both sides will get purchase,” he said.
The former India spinner is hopeful of India’s chances. “England will be able to dominate only if they get a pitch which has nothing to offer to spinners,” he said.
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‘No better leg-spinner than Chahal in India’ Harbhajan also recommended at least three spinners in the side for the upcoming World Cup in the Caribbean and USA in June. “I have played in the Caribbean a number of times and there is always something for the spinners. India should take at least three spinners,” said Harbhajan, who is part of the commentary panel in the ongoing DP World ILT20 League here.
Revealing his top three contenders, Bhajji stated, “I will put Yuzvendra Chahal at the top, though I don’t know why he is being ignored. Currently I don’t think there is a better leg-spinner than Chahal in India. He is very brave and a clever bowler. Ravindra Jadeja will definitely be there. India should take one off-spinner, maybe Washington Sundar. What selectors and management think, that’s a different thing, but if I was part of the management I would have picked these three.”
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Harbhajan feels spinners can turn the tables in T20Is. “I think the format actually works well for spinners since batters are always taking the risk. So, if you can turn the ball, you might play a big role. The spinners who take wickets, they survive. When I played, I thought of taking wickets. The day I went in thinking of conceding less runs, I used to give away 40 runs,” he said.
There is a general perception that youngsters are best suited for the shortest format but Harbhajan begs to differ. “I think it’s kind of a combination. You need youngsters but you cannot ignore experience because at times situations arise where you must take quick decisions. For that, experience matters, since you have to make the right decision at the right moment,” the 43-yearold said.
(The writer is in Dubai on invitation from ZEE Entertainment and DP World International League T20)