Australia vs India 2018: This is Our Best Chance to Win a Series There - Harbhajan Singh

Veteran India spinner, Harbhajan Singh feels India has the best chance of winning the Test series against Australia this time around. Harbhajan feels the absence of David Warner and Steven Smith would help India start as favourites in the red-ball format. Meanwhile, the four-match Test series begins at Adelaide on December 6th.

The absence of Smith, Warne would benefit India – Harbhajan

However, the star duo of the Australia team, Smith and Warner are currently serving a 12-month in the ball-tampering case; and Harbhajan feels their absence would make the Aussies look a bit vulnerable. The off-spinner added the onus would be on the shoulders of the batsmen, as the bowlers have primarily proven themselves.

On the past two foreign tours to South Africa and England, the Indian bowlers had managed to pick all ten wickets in each of the innings.

“If we bat well there, we have got the bowling to get them out. Without Smith and Warner, this is our best chance to win a series there,”

Meanwhile, Harbhajan showered praises on Kuldeep Yadav, saying he will India’s number one bowler in future. The off-spinner added Kuldeep has evolved, and he has shown glimpses of performing well on the day-one pitch. However, knowing the unorthodox bowler had picked up his maiden hat-trick against Australia last year, Bhajji says Kuldeep would be the x-factor in Australia.

“Kuldeep has shown glimpses of what he can do on a first-day wicket. He is slower in the air and gets the ball to turn both ways. Going forward, he should be India’s key and deciding factor. He will be the No.1 spinner in future,” Harbhajan Singh said.

Kuldeep would the x-factor in Australia

Furthermore, he added in England, where conditions are tough for spinners, Kuldeep had picked a six-wicket haul. Harbhajan Singh opines Yadav has over the period proved his credentials and could be vital for India in Australia Tests.

“In England, the conditions were seaming and the day he bowled, it was the coldest day in summer. So, for a wrist spinner, it is very difficult. He could not do the things he wanted. He has time and again proved his credentials and the team depends a lot on him and will in the future,” the offie added.

Meanwhile, India’s tour of Australia would begin on November 21st with the first of the three T20Is scheduled to play at the Gabba in Brisbane.