We have the men to tussle with Harbhajan

With the greatest of respect to New Zealand, West Indies and Bangladesh, the truth that the serious 'business' part of our year starts here. I really do have the greatest of respect for the three countries we have played so far this season, but home ground advantage always made us favourites to beat an under prepared New Zealand side and a spirited but young West Indies team. And, while Bangladesh gave us a fright or two on their pitches, we did what we had to do in winning both Tests and all three One-Dayers.

The next three series, however, promise to be an altogether different challenge. India, England and Australia, all away from home and culminating in around 10 months time.

South Africa has dominated India at home since the first tour back in 1992-93 and much of that has been to do with conditions. Fast, bouncy pitches have routinely undone the top order (with some memorable and spectacular exceptions, notably from Sachin) but overall the pattern has been the same in South Africa.

In India, naturally, it has been a different story. South Africa couldn't cope with a deteriorating pitch in the deciding Test in Kanpur 12 years ago and, although they managed to win the series in 2000, they were again outplayed in the deciding Test at Eden Gardens in the last series.

But as much as conditions have played a part in the six Test series between the two countries so far, I believe that the mental side of the game has been just as significant. It may sound unkind, but India has had a reputation for being reasonably easily 'bullied' in years gone by. That may have been the case in years gone by, but the change in the Indian team's attitude and approach in the last year or so has not gone unnoticed.

Neither short-pitched bowling nor verbal intimidations have the same effect as they used to against India. There has been a major 'toughening up' by India which can only be respected. Most teams over the years have had one or two characters prepared to tackle the opposition in an uncompromising manner, men who have thick skins and are able to cope with adverse publicity and comments, which might make others, feel uncomfortable or insecure. Needless to say, we have noticed that Harbhajan Singh is at the forefront of that movement today and we cannot deny that we respect him for that.

So there will have to be a different approach from us this time – there's no point in trying gain an 'edge' outside of actually playing the game, and I must say I'm extremely pleased with that. Far too much emphasis can be pleased on aspects beyond the game but, ultimately, cricket is a contest between bat and ball and I love nothing more to engage in a dual involving cricketers and their cricketing strategies. If Bhajji wants to engage in a verbal tussle then I have no doubt we have the men to tussle successfully with him. However, I would prefer not to get involved at all. Let's all allow the cricket to do the talking.