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Newspaper reports seem to suggest that the umpires didn’t hear the exchange that gave rise to the charge. Channel 9 has reviewed its audio tapes and found no record of the offensive comments either. They do, however, have recordings of the subsequent chat which involved Hayden, Ponting, Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan. So it is possible that these tapes have Harbhajan referring to his comments, perhaps even apologizing for them. In the pictures that I saw while watching the telecast, I saw Harbhajan making what seemed to be conciliatory hand gestures. If he was apologizing and his apology contains the offending word and if that word is ‘monkey’ or something similarly racist, that should be evidence enough.

The other possibility is that in the course of the hearing, Tendulkar, who was batting with Harbhajan at the time and who seemed to have heard part of the exchange, isn’t able to whole-heartedly exonerate Harbhajan. It’s unlikely that he’d explicitly ‘shop’ a team-mate but Tendulkar’s an honourable man and if he heard Harbhajan flinging racist abuse about, he might be reluctant to perjure himself. This is an unlikely outcome: in his public statements about the spat, Tendulkar has said that he heard nothing objectionable said, but it’s just possible that in the grave context of a quasi-judicial hearing, his account of the incident might subtly change in ways unfavourable to Harbhajan.

However, if neither tape nor Tendulkar backs up the Australian charge, then international cricket’s in trouble. Hayden has been quoted as saying that the Australian’s have a very strong case. If the case is based on the kind of connections that are being reported in Australian press, the evidence is underwhelming. The Sun-Herald has reported that the Australian case will be based on the argument that Harbhajan is a ‘repeat offender’. The Australians will, apparently, allege that Harbhajan used the monkey taunt against Symonds in the seventh ODI in Mumbai in October. Michael Slater, who commented on that match, has backed up that claim. The trouble with this argument is that the Australian team didn’t lodge a complaint against Harbhajan at the time and I haven’t heard or read Slater going on record about Harbhajan’s Wankhede behaviour before the current crisis.

Given that Harbhajan and the Australians had tangled in the course of the series and Harbhajan had alleged after the 2nd ODI that the Australians had abused Indian players with ‘personal and vulgar’ words, the ‘repeat offender’ argument, without other corroborative evidence, will seem like a way of settling scores, rather than punishing bigotry. Harbhajan could equally argue that Symonds’ comments were part of a pattern of offensive Australian behaviour. This is what he said after the second ODI in India:

The Australians will, apparently, allege that Harbhajan used the monkey taunt against Symonds in the seventh ODI in Mumbai in October © Getty Images

“After the match Harbhajan was not laughing and said the Australians had shown themselves to be bad losers after their defeat to India in the semi-finals of the Twenty20 World Cup. "They clearly did not like that," Harbhajan said in the Sydney Morning Herald. "They are a very good cricket side, but that does not mean that they can do whatever they want to do. They say they play the game in the right spirit, but they don't in reality. There is nothing gentlemanly about the way they play."

After being dismissed by Michael Clarke in the 84-run loss, Harbhajan waited mid-pitch and pointed his bat. "I was responding to a lot of vulgar words that were said to me," he said. "I don't have any problem with chitchat on the field, so long as it is about the game. But when it is very personal and vulgar, that is not on. They think you cannot fight back and they do not like it when you do.”

Cricket has been down this road once before. Some years ago Rashid Latif was accused by Adam Gilchrist of calling him a ‘white c__t”. Latif denied the charge and was exonerated; it was his word against Gilchrist’s and there was no way of proving the charge. If the Harbhajan-Symonds dispute ends the same way, the consequences could be larger. If it turns out that Ponting made an accusation of racism which the Australians couldn’t back up, the accused Indians will be left with a lively sense of grievance and injury. There’ll be no shortage of people arguing that the Australians tried to opportunistically fit Harbhajan up in the middle of a closely contested Test match, or, more seriously, that Ponting recklessly used cricket’s adjudicatory process to intimidate and unsettle an opponent.

Australian cricketers famously leave on-field quarrels on the field. Ponting has chosen to take Harbhajan to ‘court’. Slater supports the decision because racism is unacceptable and he’s right. Racism is unacceptable. But if Ponting can’t come up with the evidence for a ‘conviction’, if his case is based on Symonds’ word and Harbhajan’s ‘prior form’, I can see players and officials asking for stump microphones to be left on all the time so that allegations of this sort in the future can be settled by technology. I can also see players retaining libel lawyers and disputes like this one being resolved in real law courts.

If Mike Proctor finds against Harbhajan, Indians might simmer awhile, but the Australians will have been vindicated. If he clears him, there’s a real chance that on-field chat will be systematically monitored in the future, and Ponting’s recourse to the match referee might well be remembered as the day Big Brother came to stay.

why is nobody talking about what Symonds said to Bhajji. As the stats point out 80% of wrong decisions have gone in australias favour.. and symonds is no angel either.. we have all seen how he joins the banter and abuse club on the field and a few of the players who are testifying against bhajji.. namely hayden and clarke arent inncoent ducks on the field either.. so.. the final statement is this.. if the aussies like to punch then they should be read for a few blows as well.

Any sort of racial abuse should not be tolerated by anybody. It's a shame on Harbajan to get involed in such an incident having made significant impact on the Australian batting downfall and he can be one of the key player in the series.However, if Harbajan strongly denies that he didn't call Symonds monkey, this incident could have been settled in the ground without letting the mass media intervension.Considering the way this case evolved, it is evident what the aim of the complaint made by Ricky Ponting to the umpires. Once Glen McGrath called Sanath Jayasuriya a Black Monkey in 1995 during the match and the TV records showed evidence to that?Recently,South African team was let down badly by such incident and they didn't react to that by making formal complaint.Why?umpires get involved in these cases straightway without allowing players to settle the matter in the ground? if the umpires feel that the case going out of hands then they should get involved.What's the morale of the case?

There are going to be no winners from this 'incident' and hearing but cricket will be the loser.
Also I have many (sour) grapes to mention : why there always seems to be double standards against the Indians. Yuvraj gets pulled up but Clarke and Ponting dont; Sehwag gets banned for excessive appealing but South Africans dont. May be Indians need to learn from Australia as how to sledge without being heard, how to build up the appealing to positively influence the Umpire (Warne being the master), when to walk and when not to walk to influence the Umpire (Gilchrist being the master). And why is Steve Bucknor still umpiring - its time to give him a good farewell.

If Harbhajan did racially tauntSymonds, then he should be suspended. Simple as that. There is simply no excuse for such behaviour. Harbhajan's efforts in the 2001 series were amazing, however his recent antics mean he might be remembered for other "feats".

why exactly are these kesavans and vasus pandering to the anglo saxons that run cricinfo?

where are the incidents where McGrath called Jayasuriya a black monkey and Darren Lehmann called Sri Lankans black c---s? McGrath was never brought to heel and neither was there such a hue and cry. australians are no saints. sorry, but the term monkey in india is just not racist. i used to call my friends monkeys. the term "black monkey" certainly is. there IS a difference. shame on kesavan for not recognizing this.

indians are simply giving aussies a taste of their own medicine. get with the program!

This doesn't seem to be pleasant case scenario for cricket as we know it was called a gentleman's game. But it doesn't look to be the same anymore. What i think is that if Harbhajan make any such comments then it should be dealt with properly(severely). But if its the other way round then the accusers be also given strong message not to behave as masters of the world. I fail to understand why did Symonds say anything to offend Harbhajan in the first place. If australlians couldn't get his wicket easily then they must infuriate the opponents to be outragious enough to say something offending to use it for settling the old score. Ricky Ponting's previous behaviour has not been exemplary when he often entanle with the umpires even and dictating his own mind. Anyway its not going to be fine with the game of cricket as Ponting has been supportive of the Fallen umpire Darrel Hair when he forteited the Oval test in favour of England arrogantly and didn't listen to anyone around. Regards.

We don't know yet, what Harbajan said. But Australian team has always double standards. They want players to walk off the field, when they belive they were out. But they don't when comes to them. As tony Greig said, the sledging came from Australian team (from perth I believe), and when some body returned the same they didn't like it. I didn't mean that, when some body made racial comments, they shouldn't be punished. They should be punished, but there should be one standard. No double standards. They always try to get something into middle, when something going wrong for them.
Here two things, one thing is India are going ahead and Ponting is scared of Harbajan. So want to keep him low. Second thing, there were many incorrect decisions, and they want to divert the talk from them. And they have got something at right time, and they picked it nicely. I don't think their attitude is not right for the game.

I think Mukul kesavan should know what is the truth before coming up with some prejudice on the matter. I think Mukul will become very unpopular in India. I have been watching cricket for a long time. Aussies are never a gentlemen. They are the most ugliest creatures when it comes to the gentlemen part of the game. Here in India we have a stupid writer, with full of imagination and accusing Harbhajan even though there is no concrete proof. Mukul please come out of the slavery. We got freedom in 1947 itself.

Indians are not good with words...they take extreme steps to irritate opponents...stupid sreesanth and bhajji , if you are not good with mouth , shut your mouth and play and win the game...Talking is useless when you can't win. Bhajji and sreesanth are bad role people for any youngesters to copy. You can sledge as long as it is funny , indians are not funny...they get emotional and angry. That shows weakness and inability talk good with words. If you can't talk , just play.

I do not support what Harbhajan did. But if he called Symonds a monkey I believe there is nothing wrong with it. If Symonds has taken offence to it then its his problem. I believe there cannot be two standards for us and them. If somebody had called us monkey nothing would have been done about it.

interesting article. In my opinion, the current australian team are very bad losers! they do not have my respect like the days when AB played. Ponting is very devious and has always come across as a person who will stoop to any level, to get an advantage. I have watched the 2nd test, and all I have seen is the likes of clarke, gesturing and trying to annoy the indians. The watch tapping incident. Then when Clarke got out for a duck, he refused to go. Ponting was out twice in the first innings, and Symonds had the umpires help in reaching his test hundred. Should the Aussies be the ones complaining?

Yes harbajan might be guilty of derogatory comments, but how ironic is it that innumerable incidents that it is the self-righteous sanctimonious Australians who are accusing cricketers from a 'coloured' country for racially abusing one of their 'own'. And will Symonds come to realise how offensive his 'black-face' on-field persona is. Athletically gifted he may be but black Americans in particular would look upon him with great bewilderment. Is this guy taking the mickey or what? He seems more caricature, a cross between sideshow Bob and Al Jolson, on steroids. Expect him any moment to go on bended knee and wail 'oh mammy'. He sort of is at the moment. Oh mammy I been wronged, i.e.. Harbajan appears to be as witless. Whatver happened to the Indian way of letting the bat and ball do the talking and walking. Like Tendulkat, Laxman,and Dravid, and evn Ganguly. Gandhi said an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. meeting agression with agression only escalates violence

What if Harbhajan is not guilty? (I guess he is guilty and he knows it too)Will the Aussies apologise? Will Indians sue them for defamation?
I guess the Aussies have taken winning at all costs a bit too far

Unfortunatley, racism is indeed prevalent in all the countries. India is no exception. This "holier than thou attitude" from Aussies is surprising as they have a long legacy of racism against non whites.I vaguley remember Lehman had similar incidence against I believe Jayasuria a few years ago. I do not think that Lehman suffered any sever penalty in that episode.
One has to wonder the motivation of Aussies in unsettling Harbhajan by inciting him to do dumb things.

I have to disagree with you totally. What ever happend to Australia saying "whatever happens on the field stays on the field?"

Someone obviously must have said something to Harbhajan in the first place, they were really frustrated with the partnership.

How can you say to get rid of Harbhajan forever? So what if he said to Symonds. "stop acting like a monkey" how is that racist?

Australian's have given touring sides a hammering when they come here. Yet nothing happens.

Also if Tendulkar said nothing happend and it was in the spirit of the game, then whats the problem? THe umpires didn't hear anything aswell!

Harbhajan I feel did nothing wrong, Aussies were just frustrated with the partnership. Do you honeslty think Harbhajan said something to Symonds just randomly?????

Can't believe you said to get rid of him forever. Even Ravi Shastri is backing the Indians.

I find it ironic that the Australians are complaining of racism. Look at the historical record-they have almost wiped out a whole native, indigenous people. Totally destroyed them-and these same people are complaining? LOL.
I live in Australia and everday Indians have to deal with racism. Indians in Harris Park and Westmead (Sydney's West) have been routinely targeted.
Now back to cricket-the Australians have an appalling reputation-ask anyone in World Cricket-ask the former members of the Indian team and they are crying racism. Go to any cricket game in Oz and you will hear a bunch of racist comments from the Aussie spectators-yet if an Indian responds to Aussie sledging he is a 'racist'. Australians are hypocrites-everyone supported Symonds not walking yet if a overseas player had done that they would have been screaming murder-saying that's not the "Aussie Way".

2 things here -
FIRST - abuse is abuse - it should not be discriminated as racial abuse, personal abuse, etc.Accoss the boundaries of countries, the classification of abuse 'll also vary. Monkey chants in India by no ways classified as racial, unless human race and animal race are the only races considered. Across different nations playing cricket you cannot have laws saying personal abuse is OK, race or color is not! Whatever harbhajan spoke may humiliate aussies, what they do definitely humiliates other teams. The rules should be more generic among the cricket community, not as per the british or australian definition of abuse.
SECOND- aussies are master at abusing, they have done it more than anybody else.Indians have replied them in their own way. All teams do it to some level but aussies take it to different level, and they have now taken it to officials. Chanderpaul didnt go to match refree crying when McGrath said to him bad things. Very poor attitude shown by world champions.

Mukul, you are a big time loser, instead of writing an article about supporting Indian cause, you are in way implying that Harbhajan said Monkey. Shame on you.....

Hey,
What non-sense you are writing? Haven't you witnessed how Aussies abuse the other team. They think they are the supreme and cannot take if someone challenges them with the play. When they are defeated in the field, they use the vulger language. Same on you writing the arcticle. Last time I have read you.

Mr. Kesavan you have lost it. There is no proof and you want to believe the Aussie media. It is people like you who are responsible for Indians taking ... How do you know Harhajan did it? Wait for the hearing before posting.

Firstly your whole premise is wrong. So what if Symonds was called a monkey? Monkey is NOT used in a racist manner in India. Kids call each other monkey when teasing. "Bholo, bhaloo, bandar" all = monkey.
Secondly, Symonds looks like a monkey, it is simple fact. The Indians have found a way to tease him and it really gets to him; so be it. Symonds simply can't tkae it and so the Aussies are claiming "racism" becuase of its emotiveness and subequent press it has conjured up.
Finally, and let us not forget, all the swaering the Aussies do on field and have done in the past. They're getting a bit of their own back and can't handle. Tough luck.

What Australians fail to realize is what is considered minor chit chat in their part of the globe might be considered extremely offensive in other parts of the world. Ricky Ponting and his boys with the exception of Gilchrist is not the beacon of "gentlemanly game" that is called cricket. Bloody hypocrites.

aussies are a bunch of hypocrites. when they start flustering, they resort to such low levels. symonds can dish it out, but when it's his turn to take some, he cries foul. grow up "mite". if you want to use your mouth, be prepared to take some too. don't act like a 5 year old who likes to make fun of others but gets mad when someone pokes fun back at him.

I completely agree with you that racial comments have no place anywhere, let alone cricket. When I saw the conversation between the umpires and Bajji, the first impression I got was of complete shock in bajji's face, because probably he was told by the umpires that the aussies alleged he made a racist comment. So I will still wait for the results to come out of the tribunal and its hearing. Along the same lines, I feel ICC should take a much sterner step than just stopping with racist slurs. It should ban the use of foul language as well, esp. the likes of the four letter word. Its not fair that what is offensive to the aussies are the only ones that are banned while asian players are continuously subjected to abuse that they cannot bracket as being racist. Calling me a M****** F***** is equally offensive to me, even though its not racist in nature. I think the aussies have opened a Pandora's Box and addressing this will be beneficial to all that like cricket for what it is, a game.

This is just rubbish. We don't know what Harbhajan said. We do know that the Australians frequently talk about players' wives in vulgar ways. Why is that just sledging? There is a cultural context. In India, monkey can even be a God, regardless of what the Australains say it is not racist. Saying something does not make it true. By way of anaology, Americans think it peculiar that Hindus regard beef as unacceptable,and so ban cow slaughter in many parts of India. But they accept it perfectly normal that horse slaughter is banned in Texas, even though in many other countries horse meat is acceptable. That is double standards, and the Australians are doing it so as to get Harbhajan off Ponting's back. They need to stop sledging before they can say monkey is racist.

I have been staying in the U.S. for the past couple of years and I have seen how some Indians here have absorbed the discourse of racism. Some of the brown folk here have a visceral antipathy towards black folk. Since many more Indians have become world travelers these days, a dummies guide to Racial History would be a useful guide for them. It'll also be useful to the Australian cricketers and their fans who seem to think they have overcome racism and are in fact victims of it! As far as the specific case of Harbhajan Singh is concerned, I don't think he should "go down forever". In fact, I think a more constructive 'punishment' would be to make him read a book on 'racial history' and ask him to give a 10-minute presentation to his team members!

I cannot understand this Australian team , they have a trend with doing and saying what they want to other teams but cannot handle anything being said to them.. Tell me how come nothing came out of the Mc Grath and Sarwan spat that went on for almost a minute and nothing came out of that..
If not for really poor umpiring decisions this Australian team would have been out for 250 or less and the world saw it live . So they they should shut up and stop complaining like spoil kids. They should be thanking these two umpires for all their support ..

Mukul i kind of disagree with you here, The Australians have been known to be quite active on the field when it comes to sledging, Now when its their turn they are making a deal of a small thing. I agree that there should be no racism in cricket, if Harbhajan found guilty should be punished.. but we can not let it happen with Aussies.. They have always attacked the players with the personal or vulgar comments that should also have come under the breach of ICC then, McGrath had previously attacked ganguly about his personal lifem, Did india file any complaints? And part of the reason for complaint is that its Bhajji and Ponting does not want to miss the opportunity to get Bhajji out of the next game to have a better chance of staying at the wicket.

There's the old story about the elephant and the mahoot who were carrying some Westerners through the jungle when the elephant stopped to put a large trunk full of droppings in his mouth. "Why is the elephant doing that?" exclaimed one of the white ladies.
"Because yesterday he ate a lawyer and wants to remove the foul taste from his mouth." replied the mahoot.

What you're saying essentially is that Harbhajan is only guilty if he gets caught. If he called Symonds a monkey but only the Australians heard it, then the fault lies with the Aussies. If he called Symonds a monkey and it's picked up on the microphones or Tendulkar heard it, only then is he at fault.

Sounds awfully like something a lawyer would say, Mukul.

I think its fair to say that Australians did this deliberately to unsettle Harbhajan in teh middle of the match. Especially afer the hold which Harbhajan had on Ricky Ponting. He is his BUNNY. I hope I am not being accused of racist now

I always hated Ricky Ponting but admired Australian team in general as a champion side. this incident leaves a bad taste in mouth

In my view this team are not a bunch of champions , but just big BULLIES and LIARS . (I thought I will never say this but Gilchrist included, Ponting, Symonds, Clark and Hayden were always like this. Unless this bunch of 4 tricked Gilchirst by even lying to him. I held that man in great esteem)

This team has lost my respect atleast

Nice article Mukul,yes you are right They can't convict Harbhajen based on the statements made by pointing and co. Australians Are Sore Losers, First of all i am sure it must be Symonds Who must have started this and when They got back something back from Harbhajen they started Whining. Grow Up Aussies we all Know What tactices they apply On their Opponents.

I always hated Ricky Ponting but admired Australian team in general as a champion side. this incident leaves a bad taste in mouth

This team has lost my respect atleast

"Monkey" or bandar in hindi is not a racist word in India. I do not see any reason why harbhajan shoud be punished for saying such a word.In that same breathe then people should be penalised when ganguly is called a bengal tiger or new zealanders are called kiwis. even australians are called kangaroos. why should anybody being referred to as an animal mean racist. I am calling you Mukul a bandar for writing such a foolish article please register a racism case against me.

Let's not jump to conclusions here. The article discusses elaborately what should be done in case Bhajji is found guilty. In the same breath,shouldn't we discuss about the defamation suit against Symonds and Ponting if there is no hard evidence? And probably a ban of 4 tests? I have lived in US and observed that many times the accusations of racism root from the inferiority complex deeply fostered in the minds of the races that were downtrodden by other races for ages. Often anything said to a person of such race even for a valid reason is equated to racism either genuinely misunderstanding the comments or it is a ploy to satisfy some vested interests. I think Australians and even ICC also need a bit of training in seeing through this 2nd possibility. I don't understand how Mukul came to these conclusions,1.Sachin has not wholeheartedly backed Bhajji 2.Aussies famously leave onfield quarrels on field. They are in fact famous for their gamesmanship(not sportsmanship)on & off the field.

I am not sure in what way, calling Monkey is raccial abuse. In fact it is insult to Monkey race.

Saying all, Its already clear that only 5 Ausis are talking about the abuse. I dont think its going to bring out any result.

But one of them should be punished. If Harbhajan is not found gulty then Symond and Pointing must pay for accusing Harbhajan.

They must pay to it because they tried to disturb Indian team by allegations in the middle of the game.

One must pay either Harbhaja or Pointing and Symond.
If no one is punished then ICC is mare bunch of Jokers sitting to make money.

Digjam

It's pretty obvious that when a touring team goes down under they're up against the Australian team, the umpires and the Aussie media who stir up and concote false rumours and innuendo.
This was pre-planned by Ponting who wants to get rid of Harbhajan because he cant play him. Symonds is a fake and that's why Indians dont like him. Hell my wife who doesnt know much about cricket doesnt like him because he is a cheat and a slimy character-let's see if Mukul has the guts to put up this post.

First Point. Harbhajan was not charged by Ponting, but by the two onfield Umpires! Second point. Kumble and Ponting were instructed by the Match Referee prior to the MCG Test that all and any comments, or reports of comments, either on the field or from the crowd were to be reported to the Field Umpires. Not to do so would have made either Kumble or Ponting subject to disciplinary action by the ICC.Ponting has not chesen to take Harbhajan to court as you state in your attempt to deflect responsibility on to Australia to feed misplaced nationalism! Guilt or innocence is not yours, or mine, to determine and that includes Ponting as well as Singh.

it is well known that australia has a habit of provoking their opponents on the field. for one, a racist comment might be offensive whereas for another, a comment regarding family, etc. might be considered just as offensive. as it is, what might be considered as an insult in one culture is found to be a standard inclusion of the vernacular in another culture. so how is it to be determined that a word used by one person is racist when in their own homeland, to call one someone a "monkey" is not to make fun of their appearances - rather, it is considered to be an insult of their intelligence? so to sit there and penalize someone for using a phrase that is not offensive in their own vernacular is ludicrous. especially after that person has realized that this word, that is to mean one thing for him, takes on a new, perhaps offensive, meaning for someone else, and is then cognizant enough to make amends. and to not recognize that an effort to make amends was made is just inequitable.

If Harbhajan said what he has been accused of then why not Brett Lee testifying who was closer to the incident than either of those who are. Is it a coincidence that all of these are the one who have feared Harbhajan at times. Australians should file a patent for sledging because it appears they are the only one who are entitled to do. Your comment are certainly biased from that point of view - while we cannot call anyone a monkey but how is it racial. Finally, nobody is talking about Andrew Symonds' comments before the Indian series when he reportedly said that Indian cellebrations were triggering "animal instinct". What were Indians doing wrong then? And shouldn't a celeberity like Symonds be more responsible in commenting to avoid these unfortunate events.

If Mike Proctor finds Harbhajan guilty of racist abuse, then he should be dealt with very sternly. However if he is proved innocent of all charges and it is just another mind game used buy the Aussies to intimidate their opponents and also to take the attention away from the blundering umpires, which obviously went in the Aussies favour,then Symonds and Ponting should be charged for wrong accusations and deformation of character. This case has very funny ring to it as the Aussies known for their sledging and on feild verbal abuse in any sport they play suddenly find the roles reversed and they are not used to takeing it in as much as dishing it out.

I really dont understand how being called a monkey could be classified as a racial abuse. In India, even toddlers in school use the word monkey or "bandar" when referring to someone as stupid in a rather playful manner. Than Indians rever the monkey god is another case in point. Its considered a sin to kill a monkey, even accidently.
On the side, the f word is prohibited. You cant use it in civil society, no matter what. So is the case with "bloody". You routinely see cricketers, more so the Australians, using the F word. Thats not all. Australians have this habit of attaching "bloody" to every thing under the sun. Shouldnt we take offense to that.
Laughable in my opinion that the most abusive team in the world, one which is hated for its on field abusive behaviour is complaining like a cry baby.
This might just be a joke but there has been a suggestion that Harbhajan might well have called Symonds "Maa Ki", which is a hindi abuse meaning Mother F&*, but one which sounds like monkey.

This is a shameless trial by media and in this blog the author has already indicted Bhajji. The author lacks an iota of unbiasedness and seems to be some wanna-be-white guy.

Time and again, it has been shown that Australians are sore losers. I am very surprised that the author has joined the Australian bandwagon to support the villification of Harbajan. Why draw distinction between racial taunts and verbal abuse that the Australian indulge in. If we are coming down heavy on Harbajan on his "alleged" remarks should we not go a step further and ban any comments on the field that is considered to be against the batsman.

Shame on the author for producing a biased report and judging Harbhajan when there is no evidence to convict him.

Hi,
I was shocked to hear the sad demise of sportsmanship on the field. Harbhajan was playing so good. I do not fear to say that Aussies need to be be educated on lessons of conduct. All of us could see the frustration on the pace battery of Australia and when harbhajan was enjoying knocking them off they started slandering. If crowds in india passes racist comment then its not the team problems. I bet the Aussies does it too. In fact this is the scene everywhere.
If there is any action on Harbhajan I would consider this as a murder of true sportsmanship.

Enjoy the match.
GOOD LUCK TO HARBHAJAN...HE DID WHAT WAS NEEDED TO BE DONE

Why does Mr Kesavan feel that Harbhajan should go down forever when Darren Lehmann went down for next to nothing. I think that Harbhajan would never have indulged in this sort of banter if not for the equivalent garbage that the Aussies throw out at their opponents. The bottom line is that the Aussies can never take to the level that they give, they're racist and should be taunted in equal measure every single time to put them in their place. Every time an Indian commentator or reporter supports them they're just becoming another case of Uncle Tom in the history of cricket.

Why does Australia get to decide what is appropriate on a cricket field and what is not? If calling someone a 'monkey' deserves a ban, then anytime a player swears at someone or refers to their family in any manner, they should also be banned (preferabley forever (according to Mukul). I would rather be called a monkey rather than have abuse thrown at me from all quarters. This incident has shown that the Australians are sore losers who can't take the heat when someone stands upto them. Bravo Ponting for showing your true colours, keep crying, you are doing Australia proud!

A very good analysis of the current fracas. I personally don't think the Aussies would just make it up, and Chetan Chauhan's comments make me think he probably said it, but probably doesn't quite have his head round what a terrible word it is to call a black man, and I think the Aussies would normally leave it on the field. However I'm sure from reading the same stuff as me an Indian fan will conclude the Aussies are evil so-and-sos who are up to their usual gamesmanship tactics. Hopefully ther is some conclusive evidence either way, but I fear this will simmer. Leaving the stump mics on but not feeding the audio through to live coverage is surely the way to go so this doesn't happen again.

if harbhajan used the word monkey then it is not racist in in indian parlance. aussies themselves absolve themselves of several sledging accusations having aleedgedly racist overtones by stating that in their culture the usage of a particular word is not racist and i guess that is fair enough. so if it was monkey what harbhajan said then racial abuse theory is stuoid argument. if anything else and is genuinely racist then he ought to be reprimanded but no more than Mc´Grath was for calling Jayasuriya a black monkey. here monkey was not racist its coupling with black made it racist. if bhaji is unfairly sentences for something such stupid then it would be time for bcci to flex its muscles and shows the Aussies their place.

Mukul, the tone of your article almost finds Harbhajan guilty. You should be careful while writing such articles. Please be aware that Australian cricketers and the least well mannered players of all the cricket playing nations. We need to weigh in that factor as well. Also it's time we Indians started thinking we're as good as any one else and stop endorsing whatever others say without carefully considering all the aspects.

Mukul,

With the advent of technology, cant the match refree's keep a micro phone with every player (including the 12th man and support staff) and then check the same in background if something has to verified?

Aussies are known for their idiotic attitude on & off field and try to unsettle the oppositions thru some or other comments.

I definitely agree that any racist comment by any team player should be seriously taken and serious punishments should be laid out so that player excerise caution in future.

But with latest technology i am sure match refree is in a much better position.

Mukul, very interesting article. However, I would like your views on what you have to say about the very frequent hurling of racist sledges by teams like Australia(masters at it), England, South Africa at their opponents. You have not been mentioned anything about it, and left the discussion incomplete, in my view.

Again: How do you think that the two umpires on the field did not hear or even notice anything?

Here is what I really feel happened:
*Symonds unwarrantedly antagonised Indian fans during the series in India last year, by downplaying India's T20 victory unnecessarily. *The crowd for the Vadodara ODI gave back to Symonds by calling him "monkey" not due to racial reasons, but because he had lip cream on always (I dont think many Indians even know the words "Autralian aborginee").
*Symonds inflamed the situation through his articles and sledging of Pathan etc-Indian players and crowds in mumbai reacted
*AUS unfairly used all this to try banning bajji

ur views pls

all I can say australians can not digest what is being dished out to them "tit for tat" new india generation is not all about godly-godly or say meek. so they deserve what they are due for.mr mukul never commented this strong when in 2001 michael slater abused rahul over a "cheated" catch.ther are umpteen examples of such in the past on australlian side.
thanks.

If it is ok for media to say Ponting is a Harbhagan's "Bunny" then what is wrong with calling Andrew a "Monkey". Besides Australians always play dirty against every visiting team, let them get the taste of their own medicine. Play the game with bat and ball not with dirty mouth.

The tone of your article suggest that Harbhajan the bad guy!!! Why are you trusting aussies...they have history of saying bad things to opponents and you guys (read reporters) seem to find faults with other teams (read sub-continent teams).

Argh...oh god..these hypocritical reporters.....

The article is heavily loaded against Harbhajan in first place. Australians are no saints. The ICC does not book any Australian for sledging. The so called top umpire Steve Buknor loses his faculty of judgement only against Indians. Symonds must be booked for dishonesty. He should have walked out when he knew that he edged Sharma. So the game of cricket is not for the saints. So Harbhajan has done nothing wrong and you have no proof to nail him. It's better to leave the issue and probably admonish both the players and ICC must formulate new laws to protect the game.

How is monkey racist?? How does this relate to Symond's race, religion, appearance or culture. Remember when the Australians called Sanath Jayasuriya a "black bastard?" - that was racist. However, the Australians were not at all rebuked for this. Now, when the heat is supposedly on the Australian team, they can't take it. So much for "what happens on the field stays on the field."

The West Indies were dominant in the latter part of the last century. However, everybody loved their team. Why? Because they were good sports.
All countries despise the Australian team for their vulgar attitude on the field, yet the Australians continue to harass opposing teams.

I went to the recent MCG test match. The filth that the Australian supporters were saying to the Indian team was absolutely attrocious. They were horrendous towards Sourav Ganguly, attacking his race, culture and family. Moreover, an Australian policemen standing nearby was laughing at this.
Aussies are hypocrites, go harbajan

thats pretty disappointing,mukul.you seem to implicate arbhajan , while at te same time stating that there is no prima facie case against him.of course, racism has no place anywhere in life, foget the playing field alone.but i cant see if being taunted racially is any worse than personal abuse, which is what the australians are past masters at and then name it mental disintegration.i have one thing to tell the aussies.. if you cant stand the heat, get the hell out of the kitchen.

I think racisim in cricket is unacceptable. However, it should also be taken into consideration the serious sledging the Australians do. Anyone found guilty of defaming the game should be punished. So Steve Bucknor, the third umpire, and Symonds should be punished. Symonds openly admitted that he knicked the ball. So punish all those to make cricket once again a Gentleman's game. Let's not go the way of Soccer, Rugby and ice hockey.

Aussies behave like kids in school going to teacher crying and sobing....very unAustralian..sore loosers they are....

Get real.
Aussies are worst at mouthing off. Its only offensive and against the spirit of the game when it doesn't suit them. I think its pontings tactics against Harbhajan. Over the years one could easily make out what people like Mcgrath and, Warne and may others have said. You don't even need a stump microphone etc just their mouth movement was enough. Aussies have all the sudden forgotten one of their favourite slogan "what ever happens on the field stays on the field".

I must say that I am quite appalled by the comments of Mukul Kesavan (The Case Against Harbhajan). He seems to have drawn his own conclusions based on fictitious facts and exposed his plain bias for Harbhajan. Reports coming out of media here in Australia this morning suggest that it might have been another case of Aussie team stepping out of line and taking their bully tactics to an unwarranted level. Do not forget that they like to play mind games. It is just that this time they have stooped too low. They have exposed their dark side and what we see does not go with either the spirit of the game or their position in the work cricket. True Champions uphold basic human values and out integrity and honesty before anything else.

Mukul Kesavan clearly has no idea of the sledging Aussies use on the field. If everything of what the Aussie cricket team does or says is reported, the whole team will get banned for life, barring perhaps Gilchrist.

Vivek Sharma
Melbourne

This is a genuinely stupid article. The Australians have a history of abusing players racially - try asking Vivian Richards about it. Moreover they have been systematically targeting Harbhajan Singh since the series in India. This is no doubt a continuation of the same.

Harbhajan may or may not have called Symonds a monkey, but how does it constitute racial abuse, Mr. Kesavan? Sure, racial abuse should not be tolerated. But why should we accept the Aussies' contention that the apellation of "monkey" is a racial epithet? This is a clear case of the Aussies trying to twist the existing laws in order to intimidate and break an opposition player. We should be united in condemning the Aussie tactics, instead of calling for Harbhajan's head. The Aussie media have all fallen behind Ponting in baying for Bhajji's blood. It's time for all sensible people to rally behind Bhajji.

I therefore condemn his stupid and misguided article.

i seriously think that mr mukul kesavan if u r an indian u should learn to support ur side . australians can do anything and they get away and the second we indians do something our indian reporters make it soo big that it looks like u r australians too badd and really bad report bug off

Mukhul sir, do you know what kind of bad language members of Australian cricket team use. It is very easy to sit on and write an article asking for very severe punishment. You are in fact asking for taking Harbhajhan out forever :-) You must know better. Even deaf guy (from lip movement) can understand what kind of language Austrian team used starting from early 2000.

It would be ideal if Harbhajhan is not given any punishment at all. If you want to see harsh punishments lets start with Australian team first.
I am sure ICC won't take any actions against Australia members neither they care about quality of umpiring.

Aussies behave like kids in school going to teacher crying and sobing....very unAustralian..sore loosers they are....

A legal expert's view:
- There should be no presumption of Singh's guilt.
- According to the media, the umpires did not hear it. So it is the Aussies words against the Indians.
- Singh can justifiably make a counter-claim re: vulgarities directed at him.
- By resorting to the law, Ponting has ensured that the Aussie behaviour will be closely monitored here and overseas. This takes much of the fun out of a "game" and will ensure Big Brother will be here to stay.

Mukul

Once again mostly a good article although you have left out what I consider to be some major issues. I am not sure how familiar you are with the antipodean culture and way of life, but having played with a lot of Aussies and Kiwis and in general being good mates with a number of them here at home in London, I feel that this is essentially a case of cultural differences. Aussies and Kiwis use the “f” and “c” word very liberally, almost as frequently as the usage of the term “bloody” in British English! However to an untrained ear, it rightly sounds most annoying and insulting. This has lead to many a problem with non white teams (mainly the sub continental ones) visiting down under. E.g. Lehman’s famous tirade against Jayasuriya calling him a “black c” and Pigeon McGrath calling Jayasurya a “black Monkey”! I am surprised that in your eagerness to express your disapproval of a potential alleged racist remark, you have overlooked these very serious instances but chose to cite Rashid Latif v Gilly etc. In Lehaman’s case, he was merely asked to rest for a handful of inconsequential ODIs, in Pidge McGrath’s case, I can’t remember any punishment being meted out at all. You then indirectly accuse Chetan Chauhan, a man of proven credentials, cricketing standing and integrity of resorting to “sly” practices. Steady on old boy! Chetan was not wrong in saying that “Bandar” (Hindi/Urdu for Monkey) is often used as a harmless term (akin to say “wally” in England), although I am not sure why Bhajji could have possibly used it when the whole “Monkeygate” fiasco is only too fresh in people’s memory. One must also remember that Simo’s carping from day 1 of his arrival in India last October and his blatant jealousy of the financial gains of what he perceived to be moderately talented Indian counterparts certainly could not have helped matters.

Sun Tzu would be proud. The Australian cricketers practice 'total war' on every team. Why limit yourselves to the confines of the gentlemanly game when you can defy the rulebook by sledging, pressuring umpires, “Bodyline” bowling (that the Aussies complained about the English for) at the ribs and heads of the opposition batsman, and not walking when clearly out? Ironically, the rulebook is insisted upon when the chips are down - a la underarm bowling. Their behaviour only makes them the team everyone loves to hate throughout the cricketing world. As ambassadors for all Australians, they are doing a disservice to all other Australians. In any event, Ponting and Symonds will not be welcome for endorsements in India

cont.../Although racism is unacceptable in toto, one must also try and detect the reasons for this, which in my experience are usually born out of economic deprivation. I therefore understand why Simo was picked on by the Indian crowds when all they could see was his ungracious attitude in the face of generous Indian hospitality that is world renowned. I am therefore not hugely sympathetic for him in particular. Furthermore he continues to indulge in sledging with the rest of Ponting’s senior brigade. They just can’t accept competition and retaliation sends them into apoplexy! You also seem to overlook Greg Ritchie’s antics involving a cross between Mahatma Ghandi and Peter Sellers (the latter for his aping of Indian accent as perceived in the west) during India’s last trip of Aus in 2003-2004. This was reported on Cricinfo by Sambit Baal to be in most pathetic taste and generally racist if I recall correctly. Also remember MCG Bay 13’s treatment of Sambit and his fellow brown companions attending the 2003 MCG test (pushing and swearing galore!)? So next time please be a bit more balanced in expressing your opinions in a public forum before branding Indian crowds and players to be “racist” and in particular recommend a “ban”, particularly so when the whole thing smacks of Steve Waugh’s “mental disintegration” type strategy to nullify Bhajji. Would not be surprised if the next thing for Ponting and chums was to question his action using the ultra nationalistic Aussie press and Channel 9 team!
Finally Ponting’s Aussies whilst remaining a current day “great” team, have some way to go as gentlemen and much beloved the world over, unlike its predecessor Lloyd’s calypso warriors, who incidentally would have beaten these boys at cricket, popularity and gentlemanly behaviour (NZ 1980 and bumper barrage not withstanding!). This I consider to be truly a great shame, as the general sporting ethics of the Aussie team is in no way reflective of most Antipodeans I have been mates with for a long time. Besides Aus and NZ remain hugely sporty and appreciative crowds in general. Their adoption of SRT as one of their own is ample reflection of that. One also needs to take a look at Channel 9’s web site discussion over whether Roy and Punter should have walked, which judging by the responses have divided that nation. A lot of Aussies have also expressed their anger at the increasing hubris of Punter’s team vis-à-vis say Tubby Taylor’s team of the mid 90’s. That should hopefully provide adequate comfort to most non Aussies and neutral cricket lovers alike.

Dear Sir
Harbhajan is no saint, but unfortunately, saints do not play cricket (or do not make good cricketers). However, on the other hand, Australians (barring people like Adam Gilchrist) are not washed with milk either. Racism in any form is required to be put down - no matter how harsh it may sound - but the "evidence" of "word" of persons, who got "out", did not walk and when given "out" when actually not out, gesticulated very loudly (Poor Yuvraj had to face a hearing, Ponting did not face one) - should not be taken as gospel truth as none of them are JC (Jesus Christ). If Harbhajan is found guilty on "reliable" evidence, severe punishment shall be meted out as calling anyone "monkey" or a racist comment shall be a big NO. However, if the complaint proves to be Ponting's ploy for not facing Harbhajan in the rest of the series, there shall be a severe reprimand against Australians.

I think we need more big brother tactics. I think sledging in any form - racial, personal, of the "wife-mother-sister" kind should be disallowed. The Aussies have long played dirty - and have routinely used racist tactics and practice (they did play against apartheid SA for decades). Further, I am not sure why calling someone a monkey or tauting them in some other way is qualitatively different. It may a different resonance in different societies, Western societies with their own histories are touch about N words, but other socities may have other sensitivities (say for e.g. comments about beards).
I think we should put an end to all sledging, and punisher those who bait (Symonds) and those who may be respond (Harbhajan).
Let us drop Bhajji, but not let the Aussie monster go scot-free

I think we need more big brother tactics. I think sledging in any form - racial, personal, of the "wife-mother-sister" kind should be disallowed. The Aussies have long played dirty - and have themselves routinely used racist and other tactics and practice (they did play against apartheid SA for decades). Further, I am not sure why calling someone a monkey or tauting them in some other way is qualitatively different. It may have different resonance in different societies, Western societies with their own histories are touchy about N words, but other socities may have other sensitivities (say for e.g. comments about beards).
I think we should put an end to all sledging, and punish those who bait (Symonds) and those who may be respond (Harbhajan).
Let us punish Bhajji, but not let the Aussie monster go scot-free.

Cricinfo's blogs are getting shriller and this guy, Kesavan, believes Harbhajan made a racist remark. Amazing? Was he there on the field in first place? Is he trying to create a circumstantial evidence? Was he sure the Aussies are not cooking up? Does Aussies true followers of Mahatma? Is there something called racism in the Indian psyche? If at all there was one, wasn't it admiration for other races and contempt for one's own?
Indians have been abused consistently by Whiteners but that wasn't racism. BCCI should not invite Symonds to play in India and that will be the best punishment to him as it will bite his purse.
Kesavan arguing for Aussies is funny as he was acting like Nirad Chaudhuray or India born writers who cannot understand India but make a living by abusing India .To make things appear sober, Kesavan appears to take on the Aussies for a while. Pl do not be carried away. This guy is a pretender and Aussie hand maiden. Most journalists are like him because I know too many.

Isnt it very queer that whatever other teams done is highlighted while australians whatever they do is attributed as gamemanship or tactics.Is it right to talk(for symmonds) to disturb a concentrating batsman,(not to forget that he is a bowler mainly)by provoking him.Now can some one tell me how a bowler who went on to make 60 and more runs and trying his level best to save his team will afford to think of racist comments or what so ever he is reportd to have commented? Was it so unilateral and not being provoked?? It doesnt make any sense if harbhajan gets punished and symmonds not? Its absolute mockery of such judgement.If you(ICC) have guts to weather strong cricket boards like australian and Indian please make rules that no player in either side is allowed to talk with a player in other team as long as match goes on.Any references with his team mates or any sledging will attract direct dismissal of such player from his team.Believe me.Many australian players will be out then.

Mukul Kesavan,
Every crime has an appropriate punishment. By saying Harbhajan should be banned forever by BCCI, if he has committed the crime of calling Symonds a monkey, you have only exposed yourself. You better grow up quickly. Also, you should have written a line asking what Symmonds did, shouldn't you?

Mukul Kesavan ( writer ) amply reflects his limited intellect by presumming whole lot of things and unfairly harsh on Harbhajan. He shows his slave mentality and conviently chose to forget the provocation some Aussie players are known for years. Something must have happened which provoked Harbhajan to talk to Symonds. or the writer thinks that its a habit of Harbhajan to certainly start calling names even thou he was batting pretty well.He suggested that he should be banned forever from international cricket. Madhu, could you widen your horizons and think what happened since 70s when asian players were crucified cos of their colour. Mukul it reflects your slave mentality as your genes suggest you had more than one father and that too of diffrent race. Check with your mother please before you put such thoughts in media.

Symonds and Ricky and other cricketers should also be held accountable for what happenened in the middle and technology shoul play greater role.

I think the whole article is a BS by some wash up AH who wont hesitate making a same side goal to impress the ever racist white populus out there. Take it easy dude, there can't be anyone more racist than any of those Australian psychos. This whole crap about counter racism is a BS supported several self loathing idiots like you.

Well done mukul stunning comments, anybody can use some part of previous facts to justify somehting and put their case strongly. Sadly you have done the same to justify your point, i think what harbhajan supposedly did calls for a ban then these australian players would have never been able to play 100 tests as they should be banned after every match as they do things which are worse every match rather every session. Were you writing for circinfo when glenn mcgrath had made a remark on ramnaresh sarwan, and when glenn mcgrath had made a comment and remarks when he got sachin in 1999 in sydney. Those remakrs were certainly humiliating if not racists. And just in case if harbhajan referred symonds as "monkey" how can that be racists, some one please explain me. I am sure mukul would have a fantastic explanation for this.

Caling anybody a monkey, a divine intepretation of Hanuman is a matter of respect in Indian culture. It should not be taken out of contect. Never translate perceived slurs into other languages. It looks and feels different

Please mukul, give it a break !!!I guess you never watched any matches involving australia over the years at all or for that matter south africa or england. These are the teams that have started all this so called chatter on the field and taunted opposing teams, especially targeting the teams from the subcontinent repeatedly. I can show any number of youtube videos showing how australians have taunted indian players with comments, gestures and so on. Remember Mcgrath,steve waugh,and even Michael Slater himself who is now accusing Harbhajan ? Why these double standards? Why only punish Indian players? Why dont we investigate what prompted harbhajan even to say anything in the first place. I had seen the match and saw Hayden and Symonds repeatedly talk at/to bhajji while he was batting.I dont think they were asking about his health !!! Please get out of your awe of Australians and of white people Mukul and let the facts come out totally from both sides before making judgement

i think he should be banned 1year if found guilty by ICC and BCCI , its a serious crime he was targeting Symonds from mumbai ODI

There is no place for sledges, slurs or stupidity on the field. If there is evidence of this by Harbhajan, then he should be punished, after a proper hearing.

That being said, this has largely been a trial by media, which is inappropriate. True to form, Channel 9's Australian commentators are adding to the hearsay by claiming to have inside knowledge of locker-room conversations on this issue.

Its amazing how the sensitivities of Australian cricketers (current and former) are offended when they are the receiving end of, but none of this is an issue when they are the ones hurling it at other teams.

One simple way to resolve such issues. Cricketers should "Shut up and Play"; let their skills do the talking. If not, the law should come be brutally AND equally enforced, irrespective of the race, colour, origin of the perpetrator.

Now that someone else can play the sledging game also - Australias start crying like babies - and call their mommy. Australia are the ones who introduced personal sleding to the game - so thay need to suck it up and learn to live with it. Coming on top of super poor umpiring in this test - all favoring the Australians - this is adding insult to injury. Of course, all of India will be suprememly pissed if this case is not dismissed.

Mukul,

Chetan Chauhan shouldn't say that monkey is a derogatory word. We have defended ourselves in India with this. However, after those incidents, it is now well known to every player in our team that monkey means denigrating and is racist. It is acceptable if Harbhajan has indeed used.

I know the arguement that Australians do sledge. If they do sledge and if they they abuse vulgarly, why do our players wait till they complain about our behavior? Why don't we protest against their behavior? At Oval earlier this year, Zaheer Khan has made it clear to the English team that throwing jelly beans in unacceptable. That is the way other players should also approach the game.

I dont believe in Australian players I think even if they find harbhajan guilty they should also penalise whoever accusing him including Symonds,Ponting.Because he is not going to say anything unless instigated.To stop this thing in future both players should be penalised.Aussies under the name of professionalism & to win, do whatever they can, from history you can see Mcgrath-Sarwan incident and once Mcgrath did spit towards a batsman(the viseo is available on google) and I have never seen them being called by match referee forget about penalty.
This same Ponting when he last time won a One day tournament in India pushed a Minister to grab his trophy.And he apologised only when he was asked repeatedly.
My observation has always been when australians do things those are taken as attacking cricket when others do it is called offensive behaviour/racism etc..
So there are already double standards in international cricket.
By the way I even dont believe in Mike Procter all

Mukul, you have lost it. Wre you there or was there a witness present. If anything defend your team. Evryone is innocent till proven guilty. You are dead wrong

This is really precious on part of Symonds. He can always get away with hugely personal remarks against the opposition players. Calling an opposition player "bas__rd" is accpetable by the Aussies but being called a monkey is not. I have heard a word so many times that is a slang for donkey. "You have made an ass of yourself, mate".
So is donkey racist too? So what really consitutes racist? I think there are many people in the world for whom word monkey does not count racist, I think. Just like a donkey. Just like an elephant. Or a hippo for that matter.

SN, Sledging is different and racism is different. Sledging is akin to teasing and has a line and limit. www.thesillypoint.com/forum. Racism unfortunately does not have a line or a limit.

Nice article Mukul. But I don't understand what constitutes "racist" when all kinds of things are being uttered on the field. Should there be a pre-specified set of words that are not allowed on the field? Otherwise any player can find anything offensive, and there might be no end to it. I believe Ricky Ponting played cry baby in this case to take whatever happened on the pitch to the referee, when even the umpires had not heard anything. Or maybe it was just another Aussie mind game trick. If no racist words were uttered, Ricky Ponting should be punished really hard for bringing the game to disrepute.

I find it amazing that so many Indian supporters don't believe anything their team or supporters can do is racist.

The vulgarity ( cursing at every instances) express by Austrailians in the middle is well known.

They used it in the West Indies aganist Sarwan---and taught that he would not resopond--he did --it got blown up in the Austrialian press---just like--this.

What was Symmonds saying to Baji---before --Baji summonds him---is swaering allowed---is swearing not demeaning and deragotory.

But Austrialians---has done much damage to the game---would any Austrialian father tell his child --to be like Symmonda and Pointing ---and openly cheat

Would any Austrialian parent tell their child to confront and intimidate umpires--like the Austrialians do.

Both Hayden and Hussey were out LBW yestersay---but the upires dare not give them out.

The overall is all the White teams swear and make vulguar remarks in the middle--to most of the other teams---just look at Andrew Nel of South Africa had to say Gayle after being hit for sixes.
Is any body going to stop---these white racist culture.