'Zaheer, Harbhajan play with Aussie passion'

MELBOURNE: Indian cricketers Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh might have got under the skin of the Australians but former skipper Steve Waugh has praised the duo, saying they play with the passion of the "baggy greens".   

"Without doubt, the turning point came on day three (of the drawn first Test) with Australia on the cusp of dominating proceedings until Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan combined to not only post invaluable half-centuries but soak up crucial time that halted Australia's momentum," Waugh wrote in his column in Herald Sun.

"It was a courageous partnership by two players who exhibit traits that Aussies admire, but at the same time annoy us. They are both combative, not afraid to be vocal and are able to bring out the best in those around them.

"In other words, they play with the passion that is expected of all "baggy greeners" and without their spirit Australia would be one-up," he said.

Waugh was appreciative of Zaheer's Man of the Match performance in the Bangalore Test.

"India will rejoice in the confidence Zaheer displayed. He has often frozen in big matches against Australia but this time he resembled Wasim Akram, producing late swing and deceptive pace," he said.