India’s talkative spinner Harbhajan Singh is back and he’ll be getting stuck into Australia’s batsmen on Friday night in their World Twenty20 Super Eights clash in Colombo.
Mike Hussey, who played in one of the most ill-tempered matches in cricket history when Australia drew the fourth Test with India in Sydney in 2008, says he won’t be giving opening batsman David Warner any special advice on how to handle the fiery Harbhajan.
After more than 12 months away from international cricket, Harbhajan announced his return with a bang on Sunday night with a national-record haul of 4-12 against England in Colombo.
“He did have a great day and maybe he just had that bit of luck early in his spell,” Hussey said on Wednesday of Harbhajan, who was fined for abusive language following the Sydney Test and only escaped a suspension through an ICC administrative error.
No.3 batsman Hussey says he doesn’t like to engage bowlers in verbal duels but admits the combative Warner may take a different approach.
“I prefer to walk away and not worry about it,” says Hussey, 37.
“If he (Harbhajan) wants to use his energy up sledging and carrying on, that’s fine.
“Some other guys really thrive on it. Davey Warner, he likes a little bit of interaction out there and it gets him going.
“So I don’t think there is a right way or wrong way to handle it but I think it’s up to the individual to know he’s going to try these tactics so you’ve got to be ready for it, and be sure it doesn’t affect your concentration but handle it in your own way.
“I just think let him (Warner) go, let him play his way. That’s what has given him success so far.”
Hussey says Australia’s one-day and T20 series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in the past month has been valuable in preparing the side to take on the challenges of facing world-class spinners in Sri Lankan conditions.
“All the batters are playing well in the nets and they’ve got a lot of confidence, and that’s a big part of Twenty20,” Hussey says.
“You need to have no doubts in your mind or fears, you’ve got to trust yourself and let your instincts take over.”
Australia face a tough draw in the Super Eights against India, South Africa and Pakistan.
“If we can win that first one in the Super Eights, it does give you that confidence and that little buffer that you know you just need one out of the last two to get through,” Hussey said.
“It’s pretty much an early grand final really in the context of the tournament.”
