Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who was included in India`s 30-member probables for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup, bowled an economical spell though without a wicket till tea on the first day of his side Essex`s County Championship Division Two match against Hampshire at Chelmsford on Thursday.

Harbhajan was still searching for a wicket from the 14 overs he bowled till the tea break. He though bowled economically at 2.57 per over as he conceded 44 runs in the bargain. He was introduced towards the close of the opening session and kept the Hampshire batsmen under check. He was hit for just two fours in the 17 overs he bowled till tea.

Hampshire, who elected to bat, went to the tea break at 205 for four from 64 overs with opener Neil McKenzie and Sean Ervine going strong on 84 and 41, having stitched a 99-run partnership for the fifth wicket which remained unconquered till the tea break. Harbhajan, who has been on the sidelines for a quite some time due to poor form, was yesterday included in the 30-member probables` list for the Twenty20 World Cup to be held in Sri Lanka in September-October.