Kumble eager to bowl with Harbhajan

Leg spinner Anil Kumble, who is set to return to international cricket after a long injury lay-off, on Saturday expressed eagerness to bowl along with Harbhajan Singh during the South African tour.

"I have spent too much time sitting at home and now I just want to get back and bowl. It will be nice to bowl with Harbhajan," Kumble, who was out of international cricket action since last October following a shoulder injury, said.

On India's poor record abroad, Kumble, who has taken 276 wickets in 61 Tests, said: "We should not worry about it. We have to just play well and, hopefully, the results will favour us.

"It feels nice (to be back in the squad). I am looking forward to the tour," he said, expressing happiness over his inclusion in the team for South Africa tour, starting later this month.

"I am not excited or nervous," Kumble, who had been following a rehabilitation programme after undergoing surgery in January this year, said.

"One-day cricket in South Africa is as good an opportunity as any to return to international cricket," he added.

Kumble, who has played for Leicestershire and Northamptonshire county teams, will turn 31 on October 17 and is now looking forward to achieving his 300 Test wicket.

Mail Cricket Editor