I'm glad that I saved the Test for India: Bhajji

Ahmedabad -Even in his moment of pride and joy, Harbhajan Singh couldn't resist taking a pot-shot at the Sardar Patel Gujarat stadium pitch.

Named man of the match for his match-saving maiden Test hundred, the off-spinner who thanked VVS Laxman for helping him through to three-figures said the real man of the match was Chris Martin.

"Hats off to this guy, for he bowled his heart out," Harbhajan said. "For me, he is the man of the match. To take five wickets on this wicket was something really special." On his own hundred, which helped India salvage a draw from the depths of 15 for five, he remarked, "Now I know how it feels to get a hundred! I am really thrilled and excited, but more than the hundred, I am glad I helped save the Test for India."

Paying handsome compliments to his partner during a stand of 163, Harbhajan added, "Laxman is still the sankat-mochan. He was the reason I got my hundred. He kept telling me that I was batting really well, that I must concentrate this over, then the next over.

If he hadn't been there at the other end, things could have been different. He was little unlucky with his decision, else he would have got his hundred as well. He deserves more credit than me." Dedicating this ton to his late father Sardar Sardev Singh - as well as to team-mates Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and MS Dhoni and former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar - Harbhajan observed that India had again proved why they are the number one team.

"We are happy we have saved the Test. We we-re in a difficult situationyesterday, I am glad we came out of that. This is what the number one team can do; anyone can come out and perform. We believe in each other. Everyone felt if Ishant and Laxman could win the game in Mohali, then Harbhajan and Laxman can save the game here. We have a lot of self-belief and that's why we are the number one side. You must have seen how the players enjoy each others'success. When I got my hundred, everyone was in the balcony to support me. That was a great sign."

The plan when he and Laxman resumed on Monday, Harbhajan said, was simple. "Bat as long as possible and score as many as possible. Gary told me in the morning that I just had to bat with Laxman, and to be choosy with shot-selection. I played my natural game but was careful in picking the shots to play."

Nov 8, DHNS