Harbhajan still gives Ponting nightmares

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting says he still has nightmares about India’s ace off-spinner, Harbhajan Singh.

Ponting finished his 168-Test career as Australia’s highest run-scorer, posting 41 Test centuries against all nations during his 17 years at the top level.

But his record in India is perhaps his only blemish.

The 41-year-old averaged only 26.48 in the subcontinent and Harbhajan was a big reason for that.

In 14 matches, the fiery tweaker snared Ponting’s wicket on 10 occasions – the most by any bowler in his career in the Baggy Green.

Harbhajan dismissed Ponting five times out of five in the famous 2001 series in India, in which the hosts ended Australia’s world record 16 Test winning streak and bounced back to win the series 2-1 in thrilling fashion.

Ponting averaged just 3.4 in that series with a top score of 11, and those memories still keep the champion batsman up at night.

"My arch nemesis when I was playing against India was Harbhajan Singh,” Ponting said. “I still get nightmares about him."

Overall, Ponting averaged 54.36 against India, notching eight centuries including his career-best 257 at the MCG in 2003 when he was right at the top of the upper echelon of Test batsmen.

There is perhaps no better judge to rank the game’s best contemporary batsmen, but Ponting said he is simply content just watching the world’s premier willow wielders go about their business.

"To tell you the truth, I don't really care,” said Ponting when asked who the best modern batsman is. “I just love to see all these guys playing.

"(Virat) Kohli probably has got age on his side. His ODI career till this stage has been incredible.

"He is an ultra-skilled and talented player. More importantly, he has got the attitude to want to be the best he can be and wants to lead his country in the best way possible.

"(Steve) Smith and (Kane) Williamson are in the same boat.

"Whoever I guess masters the mind games the best will be the one who ends up with the best career record."