Facing Harbhajan Singh was no less than a litmus test for some of the Australian batting greats, including Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist.
The veteran off-spinner, who played 103 Tests for India, dismissed Ponting 10 times in the longest format while he got rid of Hayden 9 times and Gilchrist 7 times, respectively.
During the 2001 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Harbhajan claimed 32 wickets in three Tests as India dramatically clinched the series by 2-1. In that series, he turned out to be the biggest nemesis for Ponting and Gilchrist.
Overall, the Turbanator played 18 Tests against Australia, taking 95 wickets at an average of 29.95.
Recalling his encounters with Harbhajan, former Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Gilchrist recently said Indian fielders did not say much when he was scoring against them but whenever he got out to the off-spinner they used to utter a particular word.
“I can’t remember what the word was but it wasn’t so much when I was scoring runs but every time Harbhajan got me out… There was a word I’m not sure I must be saying it,” Gilchrist said in an interview with TV presenter Madonna Tixeira in her show ‘Live Connect’.
Gilchrist, who has toured India on a number of occasions, also recalled his memories coming here.
“It’s always good fun. Love India..Indians treat us so well it’s beautiful. We stopped with the Chief Minister to look at the Gandhi statue that stopped traffic.
“One morning in Mumbai when I woke up and went for a jog around the water there ...had a hat on, sunglasses on, earphones in, head down. Some Cricket fans spotted me and Once I was spotted they kept running and running and running
“They chased me for a selfie. It was great fun. It’s always entertaining, always plenty of energy. Look forward to I’m not sure when the next trip will be but can’t wait to be back in India,” he remarked.
(Inputs from Hindustan Times)
