Proving all over again after playing for so long is always a tough thing: Harbhajan Singh

Terming it to be one of the toughest phases of his career, Harbhajan Singh says that nevertheless it has been a blessing in disguise too. “It allowed my body some much needed rest, my mind to reflect on my game and look at the areas I needed to work on. From October to January I was dealing with my shin injury. I was advised complete rest and after that I had a long stint at the NCA. Currently I'm feeling good about my bowling and body. I'm ready for IPL,” said Bhajji in an interview to The Times Of India, adding that proving once again after playing for so long is always a tough thing.

“But at the same time you play cricket because you have passion for the game. That passion makes things easy. I love this challenge and whenever I go to play domestic cricket, it gives me a chance to connect with my roots and Punjab teammates. It's a process from which I have gone through and I want to make the most of this opportunity for an international comeback.”

Meanwhile according to a report in Hindustan Times, Harbhajan said that Yurvaj Singh will come out trumps in his battle against cancer, the biggest challenge he has faced so far. The off spinner, who said he had spoken with Yuvraj only Thursday night, said, “He is much better now. He just needs to rest and then start rehabilitation process.  Yuvraj will return home in 20 days and must be given a warm welcome,” he informed.

Meanwhile even as the rest of the world argues about the value of short series, there will be no such quarrel in the England dressing room about the coming two Tests against Sri Lanka, reads a article in The Hindu.

Every England player knows it is of vital importance as they try to justify their status as cock of the walk in these 10 days, for it is a year when they could find their crown knocked badly askew. From the captain Andrew Strauss, coming to the end of his time as a Test opening bat, to Ravi Bopara, Ian Bell and Samit Patel, battling for two places, and half a dozen fast bowlers for three spots, it is a war out there.

Meanwhile, Jhulan Goswami's sterling show of pace bowling (five for 11) saw India score a win in the fifth and final T20 match against Australia. Jhulan and off-spinner Archana Das (three for eight) restricted Australia to 89, before Amita Sharma, with a brilliant unbeaten knock of 55 (47b, 9x4) — her highest score in T20s — took India to victory.