Harbhajans spell refreshes 2001 memory

A magic spell on the first days closing session against Australia back in 2001 saw the first ever Test hat-trick by an Indian bowler....

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A magic spell on the first days closing session against Australia back in 2001 saw the first ever Test hat-trick by an Indian bowler. Fast forward to 2010,and it was déjà vu at the Eden Gardens on Sunday for Harbhajan Singh,as the off-spinner came up with an uncannily similar post-tea burst against the Proteas,went close to picking up another hat-trick,and turned the first days play on its head to bring India back into the game.

Just when it looked like the South Africans were running away with the game at 218/1,Hashim Amla departed and the floodgates opened up for Bhajji to spin a web around the visitors. From a commanding position,Graeme Smiths boys finished Day One at 266/9.

Back in the 2001 game,which still stands out as one of the most memorable matches in Indian cricket ever after VVS Laxmans 281 and Harbhajans 13 for 196,the off-spinner picked up five wickets against Steve Waughs side on the opening day. From 193/1,the Australians were reduced to 291/8.

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Former India opener Sadagoppan Ramesh,who took a sharp catch at short-leg to help Harbhajan register the hat-trick in the crucial last sessions play recalls:When Warne walked in,I anticipated that he would try to nudge the ball somewhere around and I was ready for the catch. Harbhajan made him play at the ball,and there I was,taking a memorable hat-trick catch, says Ramesh.

The thing with Harbhajan in that match was that he was in the kind of form where once he got a wicket,he would follow it up with a spree of wickets. And the Australians were actually panicking against his bowling. During that series,we could actually tell when Harbhajan was just about to run through the batting,he was bowling that well, he added.

While Harbhajan hasnt exactly replicated that kind of series form,but the precious wickets of Jacques Kallis,Ashwell Prince and JP Duminy on Sunday has at least reminded his critics that he hasnt lost his destructive streak,and like in 2001,he also seems to be on the verge of striking a purple patch.

India coach Gary Kirsten feels his leading spinners return to form began way back with the Bangladesh series. Today,Harbhajan did what he does best. You’ve got to be careful about judging Harbhajan,and not go by statistics. If you ask me,he did well in Bangladesh and also in Nagpur. So,hes been getting his rhythm back slowly for a while now. It was today that he showed that hes getting better and better, the former South Africa opener said.

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After finishing as the top wicket-taker in the series against Sri Lanka ,Bhajji somehow lost his touch on the Bangladesh tour and then managed 2 for 166 at Nagpur before returning among the wickets in style at Eden.