'We will go by the word of BCCI on WADA code'

Jalandhar:

Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh on Thursday said he has full faith in the BCCI and will abide by whatever the Cricket Board advises the players on the contentious 'whereabout' clause of the WADA anti-doping code.

The BCCI has sided the cricketers, who have refused to sign the code by claiming it be intrusive and the International Cricket Council has formed a special working group to address players' grievances.

"Whatever views, we wanted to express on whereabouts clause of WADA, we have already conveyed to BCCI, which has strongly taken up the issue with ICC. Now the matter is pending between BCCI and ICC and whatever instruction BCCI will issue to us, we will abide by that.

"We know that our Board will definitely protect our interest and respect our views on the issue," Harbhajan told reporters here.

Harbhajan was also confident of a good show in the upcoming Champion Trophy saying that return of seniors Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid makes India a strong and balanced batting side.

"We are the best combination of players in the form of strong batting order as well as combination of experienced and new players. After inclusion of Dravid and Tendulkar, Indian team has strong batting order with experienced minds," Harbhajan said.

The off-spinner, who will attend the four-day preparatory camp in Bangalore from August 27, said modern day cricket demands high fitness level, which the players can hardly afford to ignore.

"Cricket has turned into more demanding game and you have to be fit enough to play. You cannot compromise on your fitness exercise. I don't mind playing (long seasons) as I have passion for the game. But yes players will have to be extra conscious for fitness," he said.