Indian off spinner Harbhajan Singh, who claimed seven for 133 in the first innings against the Australians said he was trying to fulfil the responsibility of being the strike bowler in the absence of Anil Kumble.

Talking to pressmen at the end of the second day's play at the MA Chidambaram Stadium at Chennai, Harbhajan said "the responsibility has fallen on me and I tried to do my best. I am looking forward to bowling alongside Kumble". On the exit of Australian captain Steve Waugh for handling the ball, Harbhajan said "I appealed for leg before wicket and was watching for the umpire's reaction. Only later did I realise that he had handled the ball".

He said his most valuable wicket today was that of Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist. He said that there was not much of help from the pitch but there was more bounce. Asked to comment on the devastating spell today, Harbhajan said he had no specific plan as such but had bowled to a good line and length, concentrating on outside the off stump.

© PTI