Harbhajan credits Laxman for his maiden Test ton

AHMEDABAD - Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who smashed his maiden Test century on the fifth and the last day of the first cricket Test against New Zealand, credited fellow player V.V.S. Laxman for the feat.

Harbhajan’s 115 was instrumental in India salvaging a draw after they were left reeling at 82 for six on the fourth day by Chris Martin’s sensational five-wicket haul.

Harbajan was involved in a 163-run partnership with Laxman (91) and the two struck a 163-run stand for the seventh wicket. Laxman was unlucky to miss out on a hundred after he was wrongly given a lbw decision by umpire Steve Davis.

“I got the hundred because of Laxman. Had he not been there at the other end, I would have played a silly shot and got out much earlier. He walked up to me after every over, saying that I am playing well and advised me to stay there and hit the ball on the merit,” said Harbhajan.

Harbhajan has earlier admitted that he has been working on his batting and the results were for everyone to see as he also scored a fifty in the first innings.

The off-spinner also thanked Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag for constantly helping him with his batting. In fact, Harbhajan celebrated his hundred by imitating Tendulkar’s characteristic crouch.

“It is fantastic to score a hundred. Sachin Paaji has always believed in my batting talent and he used to keep telling me that I can score a hundred. Sehwag as well. I thank them for their encouragement, and I am happy that I didn’t disappoint them,” Harbhajan said.

Harbhajan claims he never dreamt of scoring a Test hundred but said his teammates always believed in his ability to reach the three-digit mark.

“Never dreamt I would be man of the match for batting, not in Tests. Though in one-dayers I thought I could do it,” he said.