Date:30/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/30/stories/2008123055761600.htm

Sport - Cricket

Harbhajan’s advice to Australia

— Photo: AFP

TALKING STRAIGHT: Harbhajan Singh says the Aussies should talk less and concentrate more on improving their game.

New Delhi: Relishing every moment of Australia’s misery against South Africa, star Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh said any team can beat the Aussies who needed to talk less and play better.

An eternal thorn in Australia’s flesh, Harbhajan could not hide his glee as Ricky Ponting’s men stare at a series defeat on home soil against South Africa which also jeopardises their status as the number one Test side.

“Any team can beat Australia. It’s not that they are superior to others or they are the world powers or whatever. Other teams are getting better and it’s nice to see people dominating them,” said Harbhajan, who has had umpteen run-ins with the Australian cricketers.

In the second Test in Melbourne, South Africa, leading the three-match series 1-0, requires another 153 runs with all 10 wickets in hand to wrap up the series.

Harbhajan could not help taking a dig at the under-pressure Australians and advised them to talk less and rather concentrate on improving their game.

“I think they concentrate a lot on talking when others just concentrate on the game and get the basics right,” he told a TV channel. — PTI