Cricket

Ricky Ponting was getting out just by watching my face – Harbhajan Singh

 

India’s veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh shared a great rivalry with former Australian captain Ricky Ponting. Harbhajan was known to have his wood on Ponting and had a great record against the right-hander. In fact, Harbhajan feels that Ponting was not playing the ball and he was getting out just by watching his face.

Harbhajan, who celebrated his 40th birthday recently, is regarded as one of India’s most successful off-spinners. The Turbanator had dismissed Ponting on 10 occasions in the Test fold.

Ponting had an impressive Test average of 51.85 in his illustrious career but it slipped down to 22.30 when he was facing Harbhajan. In fact, Harbhajan also dismissed Ponting on three occasions when the Australian was yet to trouble the scorers in his innings.

In the historic Test series in 2001, Harbhajan was at his best as he scalped 32 wickets in three Test matches. Harbhajan had dismissed Ponting on five occasions in that series and the Australian could only manage 17 runs in five innings at an mundane average of 3.4. Consequently, Harbhajan was a thorn in the flesh for Ponting and the right-hander fell in off-spinner’s ruse.

Harbhajan added Ponting’s concentration was not up to the mark and he was almost scared to face the off-spinner.

Harbhajan Singh said while talking to Star Sports Cricket Connected, “When the 2001 series happened it felt like he (Ricky Ponting) was not playing the ball but getting out just by watching my face. He was not focusing on the ball at all, if he was focusing on the ball I don’t think anyone would get out so many times and that too so easily.”

Harbhajan shared a great rivalry with Ricky Ponting and he was able to hold sway against the Australian. The off-spinner scalped 417 wickets in 103 Test matches in his illustrious career.

Harbhajan Singh was able to get under the skin of the former Australian captain and enjoyed a great success against him. Bhajji also recalled an incident when he dismissed Ponting for the first time in Sharjah in 1998 and gave him a send-off, for which he was banned for the next match. Harbhajan also revealed that Ponting almost charged against him with an intention to hit him with t bat.

 

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

LeBron James opens up on new All-Star Game format, says something had to change

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has opened up on new All-Star Game format. James,… Read More

December 20, 2024

Sunil Chhetri reveals how leadership onus helped him in his career

India’s football icon Sunil Chhetri has had a glorious career as he has ticked the… Read More

December 20, 2024

East Bengal FC midfielder Madih Talal ruled out for rest of the season due to knee injury

East Bengal FC midfielder Madih Talal has been ruled out of the rest of the… Read More

December 20, 2024

Christopher Clarey sheds lights on Novak Djokovic-Andy Murray alliance, says Serb has always tapped into smart, high-level tennis players

Renowned Tennis journalist Christopher Clarey has shed light on Novak Djokovic appointing Andy Murray as… Read More

December 20, 2024

Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim has no regrets after dropping Marcus Rashford

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted he has no regrets after dropping Marcus… Read More

December 20, 2024

Sanju Samson reveals how Gautam Gambhir gave him clarity and confidence

India’s wicket-keeper bat Sanju Samson has revealed head coach Gautam Gambhir has played an instrumental… Read More

December 20, 2024