“It was one of the bad days I have seen in my 10 years (of international cricket). I won’t blame the wicket, which was a green-top for our performance. We did not apply ourselves and played some casual shots,” Harbhajan told reporters after the opening day’s play.

“The important thing now is to try and get back into the game by taking a couple of early wickets tomorrow morning to get into the tail,” said the Punjab bowler.

Harbhajan, who took a creditable three-wicket haul in the South African reply of 223 for four, however, said as the home team a track helping spinners was expected by the Indian players whenever they play in their own backyard.

“The last time we came here and played against Sri Lanka the wicket had red soil. Now things have changed and is changing everywhere in India (vis-a-vis wickets) much to our disadvantage. I think as home team we should play to our strength which is spin. Most of our victories in India have come about through spin bowling,” he said.

Asked why the team chose to bat first on winning toss, the off spinner said things would have eased out after one and a half hours.