Harbhajan seeks home comforts

Harbhajan found himself at the centre of a number of incidents on tour in Australia

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India spinner Harbhajan Singh has promised to let his bowling do the talking in the upcoming Test series against Australia.

Harbhajan was accused of racially abusing Queensland all-rounder Andrew Symonds during the Sydney Test in January, but was found not guilty at an ICC disciplinary hearing.

Earlier this year, Harbhajan was banned for five one-day international matches for slapping team-mate Sreesanth during an Indian Premier League match.

The off-spinner said he had learnt from his past misdemeanours and was looking to focus on the game.

The Punjab player has had particular success against the Australians, picking up 32 wickets in the memorable three-Test series in 2000-01 in India.

"I aim to let the ball do the talking this time,” he said.

"It's better to focus on the game and avoid all the drama.

"I'm very passionate. I try and give it my best shot all the time and I get too involved.

"When someone says something to me, I take it very personally.

"But I have learnt that it is better to bowl well, take wickets, play the game hard and win the game rather than say something in return or react to what someone else says."

Harbhajan is relishing the chance to face Australia again.

"They are a very competitive side, there is no doubt about that,” he added.

“But, I'm looking forward to playing them and I'm sure this will be another great series.

"Hopefully we will all play in the spirit of the game and enjoy the series."

Harbhajan was at the centre of a classic series eight years ago.

The tourists won the first Test in Mumbai, and forced India to follow on at Kolkata, only for VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid to launch a famous comeback with a stand of 376 for the fifth wicket as India became only the third team to win after being asked to bat again in a Test.

Harbhajan’s took 13 wickets in Kolkata, and then 15 at Chennai as India completed a remarkable 2-1 turnaround.

"There is always the motivation to do well against the number one team in the world,” he said.

"They keep throwing you challenges and you have to respond to it.

"But we believe that they can be beaten and we have proved that in the past - we have beaten them at home and in Australia as well - and we have the capability and the talent to beat them.

"We would have to play to the best of our ability and that is what I am looking to do."