Harbhajan waits on weather

Wright coached England debutant Robert Key at Kent

India coach John Wright admits Harbhajan Singh should have played the first Test against England at Lord's.

But he will wait until later this week to decide whether to use the spinner at Trent Bridge, where the second match of the series begins on Thursday.

England are a well-organised, tough unit

John Wright

The Lord's pitch offered unexpected turn and an unprepared touring side slipped to a 170-run defeat, with sole India spinner Anil Kumble taking six wickets in 66 overs.

"We could have probably done with [Harbhajan] but every situation is different," said Wright.

"We'll have to look at the conditions and the wicket nearer to the game but he is certainly in contention for the match."

"Looking back at Lord's we didn't play up to our ability and potential. To get a result we've got to play better cricket."

Harbhajan missed the first Test defeat

Bad weather cut the tourists only match between Tests down to two days at Worcester, but Wright is unworried by the lack of practice.

"We've played a lot of cricket, we've been 1-0 down before and we know what's required to come back," he said.

"Hopefully we'll have some good weather."

India's bowlers will encounter Robert Key for the first time as the Kent opener makes his Test debut, and Wright, who spent four years as coach at Canterbury, can claim some of the credit.

Feature: Key's hard work pays off

"He was always one of the players I felt had the ability to make it at this level," the former New Zealand batsman said.

"Personally I'm delighted for him - he's worked hard to get here."

Meanwhile, Harbhajan expects to announce later this week that he will play county cricket next season.

The off-spinner has had talks Sussex, and Lancashire have expressed an interest in bringing him to Old Trafford.