Mumbai, Dec 15: As India take guard on Australian soil, a question mark still hangs over the inclusion of the hosts’ most trusted soldier over the years, Ricky Ponting

While critics and experts are urging No. 3 batsman to call it a day – he hasn't posted a century in almost two years – the batsman has received support from a few fellow cricketers like Rahul Dravid and Harbhajan Singh. The Indian off-spinner, who has 406 Test wickets under his belt but has not been able selected to the touring Indian side due to lack of form, believes Ponting can still make useful contributions to Australian cricket.

"I do not think Ponting is finished and I think people are making a big mistake by writing him off," Harbhajan was quoted as saying by the media. "Two years ago, people were saying the same things about Rahul Dravid [who averages 60 from 11 Tests this year] as they are saying about Ponting now. Look at what Dravid has done; he is a great player who has found his greatness again. I am sure Ponting will do the same," Harbhajan, who has dismissed Ponting more times than any other international bowler, added.

Although Bhajji and Ponting have had some heated exchanges in the past especially, after the infamous episode in the 2008 Sydney Test, the 31-year-old Indian spinner said, "Guys like Ponting, Dravid and [Sachin] Tendulkar know what they are doing and people should stop questioning them. They should respect them for what they have done for the game and they should respect them if they think they can bat on and contribute to cricket.

"The fans in Australia should not put pressure on Ponting; they should just accept he has been given a chance to keep playing and they should get right behind him and support him. Ponting is only one innings away from finding his top form,” Harbhajan added.

Speaking about India’s chances in the Test series against Australia starting December 26, the bowler said, "This Australian side is a lot weaker than sides of the past. There is no Adam Gilchrist or Shane Warne or Glenn McGrath. India have definitely got a very good chance to beat them on their home soil. I don't want to predict a scoreline but I am sure India will do very well."