Key spinner Harbhajan Singh said Tuesday that a full-strength India had the resources to overcome tough conditions in England and clinch the upcoming four-Test series.
“From what I have read and heard, there will be lot of bounce and pace, and that we will get green wickets. We don’t mind, as we know we are capable of winning on any surface,” a confident Harbhajan told the Hindustan Times.
“We have a side to beat England in England or outside that country. We need to bowl the right length, whatever the wicket. I have to go out and make sure I bowl according to the plan and take as many wickets as possible.”
India, forced to name a depleted squad due to injuries for the recent West Indies tour, where they still managed to win both the Test and one-day series, will have their big names back for the series starting at Lord’s on July 21.
Batsmen Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, pacemen Zaheer Khan and Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, and all-rounder Yuvraj Singh all return after missing the Caribbean tour.
“They (England) are a good side and hopefully we will get the results we are looking for,” said off-spinner Harbhajan, who bagged 11 wickets in three Tests in the West Indies.
“I am not one who sets targets and says ‘I want to take the wicket of a particular batsman’. I am playing against England and I want to take as many wickets as possible. I keep things simple.”
Harbhajan became the third Indian after leg-spinner Anil Kumble (619) and fast bowler Kapil Dev (434) to complete 400 Test wickets during the drawn third and final Test against the West Indies in Dominica on Sunday.
“There could have been another four or five wickets, but unfortunately, there were a few half chances that didn’t go in my favour,” said Harbhajan.
“I have grown as a cricketer since I started in 1998. There is lot of cricket left in me and lot of things remain to be learnt.
“As long as one is willing to learn, this game has a lot to offer. I am excited about playing for another seven-eight years. If that happens, I see myself close to Anil and some other greats.”
India, who won their last Test series in England in 2007 under Rahul Dravid, will also play five one-day internationals and a one-off Twenty20 match during the tour.
