Harbhajan Singh defends Ashwin and predicts a 3-0 win for the hosts

After Ashwin became the fastest player to claim 200 Test wickets, Harbhajan Singh had claimed that Ashwin was getting a “lot of favour” from the pitch curators, something that he wasn't offered when he was playing. But 30-year-old tweeted back on the issue stating that he had been inspired by Harbhajan to take up spin bowling.

Ashwin had come under a lot of criticism after conceding 185 runs in the first innings of the first Test against England at Rajkot. However, Harbhajan has come to the defense of the Indian spinner predicting that the offie would claim a lot of wickets in the series.

“Ashwin is a very capable bowler. I expect him to get a lot of wickets. I am expecting India to win at least 3-0,” Harbhajan said.

However, Harbhajan praised the English batsmen especially centurions Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Moeen Ali saying that they had played really well considering they are young players. But the 36-year-old added that he expected the Indian spinners regain their mojo in the second innings.

“Root, Stokes and Moeen are all good players. While they are a young team they have batted well in the Test match so far. But it is still early days. You can’t write off Indian bowlers. It’s one off thing and I am backing both Ashwin and Jadeja to come good in the second innings," Harbhajan added.

The off-spinner recently confirmed that he would play in the Ranji Trophy for his native Punjab. He also added that he has not given up on making a comeback into the Indian Test side and he would showcase what he was capable of doing on the domestic scene.

“I will be playing Punjab’s next Ranji Trophy game against Tamil Nadu from November 21st. If you would ask me if I am ready for international cricket I would say ‘no’ but post November 21, once I am back in the field, I would consider myself ready for any type of challenge,” the Turbanator concluded.