A fully fit Bhajji raring to go

Basseterre, St Kitts, June 18 (UNI) Off spinner Harbhajan Singh who was not selected for the first match and missed the second due to groin injury is fully fit and raring to go in the third Test if selected.

"This was not an injury, it was just a small strain that was giving me some problem. But I am alright now, I am running well and am fully fit to play if selected," said Harbhajan.

In both the two test matches, India came close to victory. While the first test was drawn as India failed to take the last wicket, in the second test West Indies shared honours with three wickets remaining.

Sehwag bowled beautifully in both the matches but his longer spells have also made the team management think of playing Harbhajan in the third Test.

"I am sure there is probably a need for somebody in the spinning department. Unfortunately Harbhajan was injured in the last match.

For the third test we need to look at a combination which is 2 seamers and 2 spinners. As of the moment we look like playing two spinners," says national selector VB Chandrashekhar who is here with the team.

Indian team is sure to have a hard talk before arriving at any combination, and joining the management on the debate would be chairman of selectors Kiran More who is also arriving here before the next match that starts on June 22nd.

Final selection will also depend on the pitch, and West Indies are preparing a greenish wicket at the Basseterre here. ICC pitch consultant Andy Atkinson says the pitch will assist pace bowling.

Atkinson was flown in at the request of former West Indies Cricket Board Ricky Skeritt who is also the sports minister of St Kitts.

"I don't know what wicket Lara wants, but we are prepared for any track. We are up to any challenge. It's on team management to decide to play with 4 or 5 bowlers but if given a chance I would contribute," says Harbhajan.

Harbhajan trained hard with the team at the beach session today and hardly looked in any trouble. He admits it was very frustrating for him to sit in the dressing room when India was looking for victory in the two tests.

"It is difficult to say if I would have made a difference, but I certainly am longing to bowl. We have dominated them in the test matches so far and would like to continue the same stuff and go with same confidence in the third test," says Bhajji.

Harbhajan had a chance to talk to spin legend Lance Gibbs in St Lucia and says the master spinner has given him few tips.

"Gibbs was a great spinner, he has given me few ides which I would try.

If it suits me in the nets and I am able to adapt, I think that would be helpful," Harbhajan said.

As for India, other than the combination better fielding and catching has become a concern. "The catches that we have been putting down is a concern. Close catching needs to be sharper we need to take the half chances," says Chandrashekhar.

After four days of training at the beach, Indian would get back to training at the nets from Monday morning.

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