Counties hunt for Harbhajan

Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh is being head hunted by at least two English counties to play for them next season.

Lancashire are tight-lipped about what appears to be a bidding war and refuse to comment, but Sussex describe Harbhajan as a "fantastic strike bowler" and say they would like to get him to play for them from next April.

The interest shown in Harbhajan by the English counties is in sharp contrast to the recent neglect he has suffered from his own Test side.

He was left out of the first Test at Lord's, which India lost, prompting astonished reactions from both Indian and English cricket experts.

Former India captain Tiger Pataudi told rediff.com he could not understand why Harbhajan had not been included in the side for the first Test.

And in London, cricket columnist Dickie Rutnagur told a leading British Sunday newspaper how the England team could not believe their luck when they were told Harbhajan would not be playing at Lord's.

It will be sweet revenge for Harbhajan if does accept an offer from a county like Sussex, which has made no bones about trying to get him over.

"We're interested in him, there's no doubt about it," Sussex coach and cricket manager Peter Moores told rediff.com. "He's a fantastic bowler, a fantastic strike bowler as an off-spinner.

"It's a bit sensitive; we've spoken to a couple of people and it's up to Harbhajan where he wants to go and play. He has to pick the place he fancies to play cricket next year.

"We'd like him to come to us but we'll just have to wait and see. It's for the coming season."

If Harbhajan does accept Sussex's offer, he will be one of two spin bowlers deployed by the county team. The other one, Mark Davis, is also an off-spinner.

Pace bowlers include James Kirtley, who recently played for England in the one-day matches, Jason Lewry, Robin Martin-Jenkins and Billy Taylor.

"Our season finishes in mid-September and the next season will start in April next year. It will be for that season that we are looking to recruit Harbhajan," Morres added.

"When you look at the team you look at the areas that you think you would like to strengthen, be it pace, spin, batting, wicket-keeping, whatever.

"Then, if you can't find someone here then obviously you look overseas. Harbhajan would give us a more options, a bit more depth or whatever."

Asked how much money Harbhajan could expect, Moores replied, "He's a professional cricketer so he'd be paid a salary like any other player.

"Usually the players have a representative who speaks on their behalf and with whom the deal is struck."

English talent scouts have also had their eyes open for former Indian Test fast bowler Javagal Srinath, who has joined Leicestershire for the remainder of the current season.

Srinath will be available for five County Championship matches and four one-day games. He is likely to make his debut in the floodlit match with Kent on August 21.

The 32 year old, who spent several seasons with Gloucestershire, will replace Michael Bevan when he leaves to team up with the Australian one-day squad.