'Harbhajan should have been there'

Former captain and commentator Ravi Shastri rues the absence of off-spinner Harbhajan Singh from the Test squad.

Former captain Ravi Shastri, who was India's short gap cricket manager on the team's recent tour of Bangladesh, rued the absence of Harbhajan Singh from the Test squad.

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Commentating on Sky Sports with Mike Atherton and Michael Holding, Shastri made his observation when Anil Kumble was bowling to Alastair Cook and was getting some purchase from the Oval track.

"Had Harbhajan Singh been there (in the team), he would have definitely played (in the first eleven)," said Shastri.

In effect, his remark raised doubt about the selection of Mumbai off-spinner, Ramesh Powar, ahead of Harbhajan.

"It must have something to do with Harbhajan's attitude and discipline because in his last two Test matches, he had picked up five-wicket hauls," added Shastri as if to give a clue on the reasons for Harbhajan's omission.