Harbhajan Singh singles out Alastair Cook and Ravi Bopara for special praise

by Tom Moore Thursday, August 2, 2012
9:22 AM

EXCLUSIVE: Essex and India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh believes that Alastair Cook and Ravi Bopara have been doing a tremendous job in the past few years.

England's Ravi Bopara hits a boundary during the Fifth NatWest One Day International at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture: Martin Rickett/PA Wire

While the fearsome off-spinner, who has over 400 Test wickets to his name, is unlikely to play alongside the duo he knows how good they are from previous encounters.

Cook scored 60 and 104* on his Test debut against the Indians in India after coming in to open after captain Michael Vaughan and vice-captain Marcus Trescothick were forced home.

The current One Day International captain has been in sensational form in the past two years, scoring eight hundreds in that process.

Bopara has three Test tons to his name, all coming against the West Indies but has been in sensational form in the limited overs arena - playing a major role in victories over India, West Indies and Australia in recent months.

This has not gone un-noticed by the off-spinner who will be looking to keep the duo quiet during England’s winter tour of India.

“They are good players, that’s why they’re playing for their country,” Harbhajan told London24.

“Alastair has been there for many years and has been doing really well for England.

“Ravi has been one of the top performers in ODI format.

“I wish both of them to do well for England and bring a lot of happiness for themselves, England fans and every supporter who supports Team England.

“They’ve been doing a tremendous job.”

Cook will be lining up for England against South Africa in the second Test at Headingley Carnegie today but Bopara misses out through personal reasons.

The home side must avoid defeat to hold onto the crown of number one Test side.