Return of the native, Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh sent England to a crushing defeat in the World Twenty20 on Sunday night but not everyone in that country is brooding over his extensive repertoire. In Chelmsford, Essex, they are, in fact, celebrating the Indian bowler’s success.

“Absolutely fantastic.” That is how Essex coach Paul Grayson reacted to Harbhajan’s four-wicket burst that left the English batsmen pulverised. The coach only had superlatives to describe the offie’s stunning comeback to international cricket.

“He’s a brilliant bowler and an outstanding character. At Chelmsford, he always had a smile on his face. He’s an outstanding cricketer and a thorough professional,” Grayson, delighted at Harbhajan’s performance, told DNA on Monday night. Alastair Cook, Owais Shah and Ravi Bopara are some of the players in the Essex ranks but the coach thought Harbhajan was a perfect team man. “He was a role model for my boys, He gelled well with the dressing room,” he quipped.

Grayson felt he would have preferred Harbhajan had done it against another team, not England, but would not take the credit away from the bowler. “Everyone here is happy with his performance. We’ll catch up with him soon. We always knew that he is a world class bowler and we’re unluckily that his best came against England. He showed to the world that he is a quality spinner,” Grayson remarked.

Harbhajan spent the summer in England looking for some serious match time and the Essex County Cricket Club provided him with a platform. The veteran of 98 Tests, playing an international after over a year,  was prompt in acknowledging the role Essex management played in his comeback. “I would like to thank Essex people,” Harbhajan said while receiving the Man-of-the-Match award.

“He came to us looking for some practice. We gave him a chance to bowl with the red ball and white ball. He was outstanding in both four-day and one-day format,” Grayson said. Harbhajan played five first class and two one-day games for Essex claiming six and five wickets, respectively. “He got better with each outing and it  showed that he was enjoying his stint in Chelmsford. He is a world class spinner.”

Grayson is sure that if ever there was a chance, he would sign Harbhajan again. “We would love to have him in the dressing room. He is such a nice character. He deserves all the success.”

The coach thinks India should persist with Harbhajan in the tournament. “In Sri Lanka, the pitches should get dry as the tournament progresses and that will help the Indian spinners, particularly Harbhajan. India are the favourites,” he signed off.