By IANS,
Colombo : India may be precariously placed in the third and final Test Match against Sri Lanka, but seasoned offie Harbhajan Singh says his side has not given up hope.
India were reduced to 161 for five in their second innings when play ended on day three, with their last recognized pair of Rahul Dravid and V.V.S. Laxman at the crease.
“We are looking to have a good partnership in the morning. I hope Laxman and Rahul play the same sort of innings like in Kolkata (against Australia in 2001 when India won after being asked to follow on).,” said Harbhajan, who picked up three wickets in the Sri Lankan innings.
“It’s a little disappointing that we haven’t performed as a batting unit. I don’t know how it happened. But the Sri Lankans have bowled really well, especially Mendis. He has been really consistent. He has been the guy who has changed the series for them. Without him I think Sri Lanka would have struggled in this series,” the Indian off-spinner added.
Mendis has been a find for Sri Lanka, claiming 25 wickets in the series so far.
Although the Test is expected to end inside four days, Harbhajan said if it goes on to the fifth day, the Indians may have an outside chance to create an upset win.
“It’s quite a hard pitch. Maybe on the fifth day it may play a bit differently but we will have to bat really well for the match to go to the fifth day. I am keeping my fingers crossed and hope to get some runs on the board to make a match of it.”
In a lighter vein, Harbhajan grudged Mendis’ luck, but said the mystery spinner will be found out the more he plays international cricket. “I wish I could pick his wicket-taking luck. We all bowl the same sort of deliveries. Obviously, he is new in international cricket and the more people play against him the more they will get to see him and people will learn about him. He does have some variation but every bowler has variations. I would like to steal his luck,” he said