Bhajji counting on injuries for comeback

London, July 17 (UNI) Displaying his desperation to lock horns with England's Sikh icon Monty Panesar in the upcoming summer series, Team India discard Harbhajan Singh is resting on 'injuries' to earn his place back in the England touring team.

The 27-year-old offie, who is currently on a county stint with Surrey, said, ''A tour of England is always special, so when I wasn't picked I thought to myself, 'let's try to keep playing competitive cricket, keep fit and keep taking wickets'.'' ''You never know when you might be called upon. You have to keep yourself ready because there might be injuries,'' he was quoted as saying by the 'Daily Mail'.

Harbhajan, popularly known as 'The Turbunator' for his bowling exploits, failed to make the cut into the Indian team for England series following a relatively inconsistent bowling performance in the last couple of months.

The young Punjab lad who is considered as India's most successful off spinners, scalping 238 Test and 170 ODI wickets at an average of 29.86 and 32.45 respectively, is however hopeful of making a speedy return in the big stage and said he would utilise this time to make strong comeback.

''I've performed against every country, taken wickets and won matches on my own. I'll definitely get back into the Indian team,'' Harbhajan said.

''I've only just turned 27 but I've taken 238 Test wickets and not many people have managed that by my age. I've got plenty of years left to play for India but for now I'll use this time to improve and come back even better,'' he added.

However, he believes that Rahul Dravid and Co powered by their strong middle-order batting line up can triumph in the three Test and seven ODI series against England with or without him.

UNI