Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who predicted a 4-0 whitewash for them in the ongoing four-match series against Australia, was left eating humble pie at the end of the first Test in Pune. Australia won the Test comprehensively by 333 runs inside three days.

“I don’t think this team has the wherewithal to cope with a quality Indian side in the Indian conditions. It can again be 4-0 like 2013 season,” Harbhajan had said before the series got underway.

After the win, the Australian media took a sharp dig at Harbhajan’s predictions. Harbhajan had called Steve Smith’s side the weakest Australian team to visit India.

Harbhajan, though, set rivalry aside and lauded Smith’s hundred on the Pune wicket, which was a raging turner all through the three days of the Test. The 36-year-old observed that it was as good as not playing on a pitch, and lauded the Aussies.

Harbhajan called for better surfaces in the next three Tests. The second Test begins in Bengaluru on March 4. “Credit to Australia for playing unbelievably well on that wicket,” he tweeted. “Let’s hope we play on good tracks from here onwards and get the right results.”