Harbhajan is a big threat to our side: Hayden

Melbourne: Australian opener Matthew Hayden has rated Harbhajan Singh to be the biggest threat to his side in their defense of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Speaking to the Courier Mail on a day when the Aussies were all set to head out to India, Hayden said, "Harbhajan is very competitive, especially in his own environment. He's a big threat to our side, no doubt about that. He's skilful and has got some weapons in conditions that will really favour him."

The hard-hitting opener also said he expected the Indians to target him in the series; he said, "Having played over there and played well over there, I think I'm going to be the obvious target."

Hayden, who is coming back from an achilles-tendon injury, has been dismissed by Harbhajan Singh seven times in the past - that's the most alongside Makhaya Ntini any one bowler has dismissed him, but he still sounded confident of negating the threat posed by the Indian off-spinner. He said, "My job will be to combat that [threat posed by Harbhajan], so for me it's a battle I'm really looking forward to. To be part of the No.1 cricket side in the world is always a big challenge because we are the benchmark. I expect no mercy from the Indians, but that's why I'll enjoy this series. I'll be right in the thick of it."

Australia arrive in India on Monday for a four-Test series; the first Test starts at Bangalore on October 9.