Harbhajan Singh was expected to be a vital cog in the Indian team’s performance in England this summer, but so far in the two completed test matches he has flattered to deceive and looked a shadow of the bowler who has taken over 400 wickets in 98 test matches.

Whilst the wickets that have been prepared at Lords and Trent Bridge have not been favourable to spin bowling, the astounding figures of 2 wickets at an average of 143.50 do not lie. Singh has at times looked laboured and has been totally ineffective. Apart from not taking wickets at the rate expected, Singh has also leaked runs and is currently giving away 4.11 runs per over.

However whilst Harbhajan has been ruled out of the must win third test match at Edgbaston, fellow off spinner Saeed Ajmal has backed Harbhajan to come good later this summer.

Ajmal who last year took twelve wickets in three test matches against England at an average of 29.41 feels that Harbhajan’s drop in form is something that all cricketers face at various times in their career and that Singh will bounce back.

“Everybody goes through bad patches, that’s part and parcel of professional sport. Sometimes as a bowler when things are not going your way you wonder when your next wicket is going to come and Harbhajan is probably thinking that at the moment. You start to overanalyse and look at your bowling too deeply and complicate things.“

“He (Harbhajan) is a top class bowler. You don’t take over 400 test wickets by being an average bowler. He has earned those wickets through skill and hard work and he hasn’t become an average bowler suddenly.”

Ajmal, currently playing for English County side Worcestershire, has been a consistent performer for the Midlands County. He feels that it’s only a matter of time before Harbhajan gets back amongst the wickets.

“I’m sure he will come good against England and get back amongst the wickets. He just needs to stick to basics, try not too hard as one is tempted to do when you aren’t taking wickets and carry on working hard in the nets and in practice.”

Harbhajan’s lack of belief has hurt the Indians badly and 33 year old Ajmal feels that whilst a spinner’s variation and control is key, confidence also plays a large part. Ajmal also feels that it’s time for the Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Harbhajan’s team mates to back him and lift his morale and spirits.

“Harbhajan’s not looked as confident as normal through the series and that has no doubt affected his form and ability to trouble the opposition batsmen. The crucial thing now is for Dhoni and Harbhajan’s team mates to get behind and support him to lift his spirits. If his team mates, coach and backroom staff show their appreciation and back him then, I’m certain we’ll see the best of Harbhajan in the upcoming matches in England.”