Harbhajan To Play For Essex

Out of favour Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh is set to join second division English county side Essex in the second part of the summer. Due to contractual issues with the BCCI, the Turbanator would not be taking part in the T20 competition, which is presently underway. The contract with the Indian board forbids a player from taking part in any T20 competition other than those sponsored by the BCCI.

Harbhajan has been out of the national team following a series of poor performances over the last couple of years. His disappointing show in the series in England and the following injury meant that R Ashwin leap frogged him to become the number-one spinner. Harbhajan's showing at the IPL was also below par as the spinner struggled to get any wickets for his side, the Mumbai Indians.

Harbhajan has previously been a part of the county circuit by representing Surrey twice, in 2005 and 2007. He was going to play for Lancashire in 2003, but backed out following an injury. Questions are being asked of Essex's choice of player, as an out-of-form spinner on a ground with short boundaries is the last thing they would need.