M A I N   N E W S

Harbhajan Singh makes history
Becomes the first No 8 batsman to hit two Test hundreds in a row
M.S. Unnikrishnan
Tribune News Service

Hyderabad, November 15
That there was a batsman of poise lurking in the spinning hands of Harbhajan Singh was a revelation when he scored 69 and 115 in the first Test against New Zealand at Ahmedabad. He had struck eight half centuries in Tests before, but no one thought that he had the technique and temperament to score a Test century, which he accomplished with not only panache, but his knock proved crucial for India to save the Test as well. His partnership with VVS Laxman pumped oxygen into the panting innings of India and Harbhajan was called upon to play a similar rescue act in the second Test too, though this time, he had just Sreesanth as his partner to deliver.

That Sreesanth, who played his longest Test innings, took many body blows to give company to Harbhajan to complete his second back-to-back Test hundred, would become part of India's cricket lore. Harbhajan thus became the first No 8 Test batsman to score back-to-back centuries, and the 105-run 10th-wicket stand was the best for the country.

Harbhajan had previously been associated with controversies as his bowling action had been reported before he came clean, his spat with Andrew Symonds of Australia created international headlines, as he once reportedly called the Australian aborigine player a “monkey”, and his slapping of Sreesanth after an IPL match at Mohali brought him a hefty ban. But Harbhajan seems to have managed to control his temper, and concentrate on his cricket, which is giving him rich dividends.

He scored the century here after scalping four first innings wickets, and the manner in which he batted to flatten the swing, seam and spin bowling of the visitors put him among the category of seasoned batsmen though the child in him came out in a fluent view when he showed his elation after hitting the single on way to his century.

When Harbhajan had reached his maiden Test hundred in Ahmedabad, it took a while for the import of the situation to sink in, before he reacted. But here, he was in a celebratory mode as he ran, roared and raised his arms as he completed his run. He continued running half-way to the boundary, which gave the impression that Dhoni had declared the innings. But he ran back into the middle, and into the arms of Sreesanth, even as Kiwi captain Daniel Vettori clapped in appreciation. Harbhajan was very severe on the rival bowlers, including Vettori, whom he had lofted for a straight six in the 48th over today.

Yesterday, till Harbhajan took the crease, the visitors had bowled and fielded with power and precision. But he unleashed such an array of strokes that the field was spreadeagled and the Kiwi bowlers cowered for cover, to escape punishment from the blazing blade of the 30-year-old Sardar from Jalandhar. Harbhajan carried over his unhindered stroke play to become the first No 8 batsman to hit two Test hundreds in a row, to add to the glorious chapter of his bowling feats.