For more than a decade Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has got under the skin of Australian batsmen and Mike Hussey is prepared for more of the same when the teams meet in a World Twenty20 Super Eight clash.
The build-up to the game against India at Colombo's Premadasa Stadium, which begins at 12.00am on Saturday (AEST), has been dominated by the return to form of spinner Harbhajan, who has a long history of antagonising Australian cricketers.
Harbhajan sprung to worldwide fame when he took a hat-trick against Australia in the famous Kolkata Test in 2001, after VVS Laxman's 281 set up India's remarkable victory, but infamously sparked a furore when allegedly calling Andrew Symonds a monkey during Australia's controversial Test victory at the SCG in 2008.
The veteran celebrated his first international appearance for more than a year by taking a national-record 4 for 12 last weekend against England, and Hussey says the Australians are expecting the talkative spinner to engage the Aussies in some verbal duels.
Australia's number three says he tends not to get involved with bowlers but admits combative opener David Warner may take a different approach.
"I prefer to walk away and not worry about it," says Hussey, 37.
"If he (Harbhajan) wants to use his energy up sledging and carrying on, that's fine.
"Some other guys really thrive on it. Davey Warner, he likes a little bit of interaction out there and it gets him going.
"So I don't think there is a right way or wrong way to handle it, but I think it's up to the individual to know he's going to try these tactics so you've got to be ready for it, and be sure it doesn't affect your concentration but handle it in your own way.
"I just think let him (Warner) go, let him play his way. That's what given him success so far."
Australia qualified for the Super Eights with wins in the group stage over Ireland and West Indies but they will find the going tough against India, South Africa and Pakistan.
The ICC has released its latest rankings following the completion of the World Twenty20 group stage, with Australia rising two spots to seventh and all-rounder Shane Watson up four places to a career-best third on the batting list.
Watson is also Australia's highest-ranked bowler at number seven.
AAP/ABC
Tags: sport, cricket, sri-lanka, australia, india First posted September 27, 2012 11:03:43
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