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Bhajji to unveil 'magic ball'

Back in the team after a seven-month injury lay-off, Harbhajan Singh said he hoped to take wickets in Sri Lanka with his new weapon ? "a magic ball".

Updated on: Jul 14, 2004, 02:37:00 IST
PTI | By , Chennai
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Ace off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who returned to the Indian team after a seven-month injury lay-off, on Wednesday said he hoped to take wickets in the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka with his new weapon — "a magic ball".

HT Image
HT Image

"I've been working hard on my magic ball. I can say that it is an important delivery which will help me take wickets. It is very difficult to explain it and I can only bowl that," the 24-year-old bowler told reporters.

Harbhajan, who missed most of India's tour to Australia and the entire Pakistan series after undergoing surgery on his bowling hand, said "it is a great feeling to be back in the side. I do not have words to describe it."

"I will bowl to my full potential and win matches for my country," he said.

Vice-captain Rahul Dravid welcomed Harbhajan's return to the team, and said "he has proven his ability with his performances with the Indian team. He is a world class bowler."

Dravid also said selectors had a tough job in chosing the 14-member squad.

"It is very hard to pick the team. Unfortunately some people had to miss out on selection as only 14 could go. On the whole we have a lot of talent," he said.

Asked about Wednesday's bomb blast in Colombo, Dravid said "I don't want to comment anything on which I don't have a first hand information."

Both Dravid and Harbhajan also wished skipper Sourav Ganguly, who will turn 32 on Thursday, "a very happy birthday".

"We have celebrated many birthdays in the team with him and with other members of the team," Dravid said.

Praising Ganguly, Harbhajan said "he is a great supporter of the team."

"He was instrumental in the team's high status as world beaters. One great thing about him is the manner in which he encourages youngsters," he said.

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