To all the people defending Australia, why is it that almost every other country complains about Australia's sledging, be it Sri Lanka, South Africa or India? Surely these "innocent" Australians must be doing something wrong to irk all these players? And yet they're the ones who always get away with it, because while other countries can take the slurs like men and ignore it, the Aussies act like little boys and snitch at the slightest retort.

Calling Symonds a monkey isn't at all racial - I think the comment would have been made irrespective of his ethnicity. As for Ponting, he's a poor sportsman who lacks the spirit of the game, and loves bringing in controversies like these for whatever reason.

I think it's sad that a group of talented cricketers like Australia need to act so immature all the time and call out other players, accusing them of doing what the Aussies themselves are champions of - sledging. The sport would truly be better off without them.

Nikhil, Urbana, IL

This is getting too old. Symonds is behaving like a kid. I used to be a fan but not any more. It is clear on TV Harbajan didnt say anything racist. I suspect it is actually the othe way around. To insult to injury is the umpiring decisions against India and blatant lying by some Aussie players that led to Test victory for so called "Mighty Aussies". Clarke drops a catch and claims it. Ponting nicks but doesnt walk and Dravid doesnt nick but is asked to walk. Australian cricket is losing repect.

roy, Fort Collins, Colorado/USA

Very Sporting nation here, but their sporting spirit ? Oh Gosh,it sucks , if you could call that "sporting spirit", so long as they win. They are known to be such lousy losers, not just in cricket but all other sport. I am 40, so I can look back to the times when Greg Mathews , Dean jones, dished it out not just on the Indian players but even onboard an Indian airlines flight, where they called flight attendants names and through around porno magazines and exchanged swear words. This would have to stem from "piss pot" culture, don't ya reckon "mates" ? Every national cricketing team in the world has a common dislike, be it on or off the field. Its the Aust team.Sure they play good cricket and I give them credit, but they couldn't care less otherwise. They love to stir, intimidate and annoy the opposition. They dish out abuse to everyone, but they're pathetic when it comes to taking some. Their behaviour just tends to negate all on the field performance. Well contested Team India !

Nick, Brisbane, Australia.

Tim, I'm with you on the BCCI and the improper influence of sub-cont teams - eg look at what they did with the still dubious bowling action of Murali. When called out by Hair et al with an illegal throwing action, the Sri Lankan team wanted to walk because they did not get their way. Then when tests were done on Murali's action they were done in a non-match environment. Then when there were still problems they had the laws change to suit his action - that's influence for you. When it doesn't suit - just change the laws. I feel nothing will come of this latest blight on the game due to the sub-continents members' influence.

Priya - Where is the evidence that the rest of the Australian team was racist when Symonds joined? Put up or shut up with that idiotic comment and how can the real issue be about the so called "racist umpires" -there is a W. Indian umpire (Bucknor) and an English umpire (Benson) and Sth African Referee (Proctor) - your comment is ridiculous and oh so typical!

Jim, Taunton, UK

The majority of people here seem to be assuming that Bhuji did make racist comments towards Symonds. Just because Ricky Ponting and the Aussies say so doesn't make it true. This is just another case of bad sportsmanship from the Australian team - can't cope when someone puts them under pressure and are looking at underhand tactics to try and disrput the Indian squad, who generally improve as the tours goes on, and especially Harbhajan. Australia are worried about the series not going their way.

Vick, Coventry

Vick, Coventry,

Let us look at like this that Symond is only a smoke screen being used by Ricky to get Harbhajan out for the rest of the tournament for the former knows that the latter is a threat to his batting averages. It may even be at the cost of his own principles "what happens in the field, stays in the field". But then who cares.

I don't know if Symond realizes this.

Sam Johnson, Sydney, Australia

Racial bating and the use of the word 'monkey' is simply unacceptable. One can get a feel for Indian racism by reading some of the reader comments that are sent in to the Rediff.com (premier Indian website) - and the number of F words used in those comments is disturbing.

Maybe Harbhajan Singh, and others who address the monkey word at Andrew Symonds, should enter the ring with him...over 10 rounds....and duel it out ! Let us see who is laughing at the end of that contest. I am sure repeat offences would be at a minimum.

Tony Laurent, Jakarta, Indonesia

Whenever it comes down to any controversy involving the Indian Cricket Team or any cricket team from the sub-continent for that matter, the ICC are too scared to sanction or apply penalties for one simple reason, MONEY!

The BCCI is able to command the power for the entire international game and thus garners the backing of all the other cricket boards from the sub-continent, who command the power and render the ICC a useless and symbolic gesture for a governing body.

If nothing is done about the Symonds case it won't surprise me and will be another farcical episode to add to a mounting list, such as the hounding out of the game of Umpire Darrrell Hair by the sub-continent cricket boards and the non-action of the BCCI & ICC over the crowd vilification of Symonds recently in India.

If any sanction is applied to Harbhijan by the ICC, watch the BCCI (dare I say it) jump up and down like squarking monkeys in protest!

Tim, London,

That India are a threat to the Aussie supremancy might be a little premature, but they must be worried. If the Aussies are threatened they use every trick available to undermine the opposition - they did the same with Murali a few years ago. They're such hypocrits...rememember it was the Aussies who began the 'no walk' if not called out and wasn't it Symonds who showed such 'strength of character' to go on to make a big hundred when clearly out and yet is so morally outraged by a few words! Pathetic!

GrahamH, Bolton, Lancs

From what I remember reading a monkey is often regarded as a sacred - and protected - animal in parts of India. So much so they can become a public nuisance, or danger. Was the Indian player drawing on such cultural knowledge and traditions and is he fully aware of Western cultural baggage / sensitivities?

Biologically I expect the DNA of monkeys and humans is not much different. Maybe just a few percent. Perhaps then we are being unfair to our close relatives by using their name as an insult - just blaming our own faults on other species. Actually humans are far far worse than monkeys killing millions of their fellows through ideological, nationalistic and religious conflicts - all for empty causes and blind belief. Better to call this guy a Horrid Human! Or at least a Holy Monkey (cf. Holy Cow)

Phil, Hong Kong,

Why then can he call Ponting a rabbit? Are all animals born equal? Or are some animals less equal than others? Are we entitled to stereotype animals, exalting the cute telegenic ones and loading negativity on to others.

Anyway - could we now have a whole animal team?
Gilchrist the Tiger
Hayden the Gorilla
Ponting - OK we know....
Clark the Bambi
Lee the Kangaroo
Jacques the Frog

Ideas on a postcard please.

Phil, Hong Kong,

I really love the way Bhajji reacted. The Aussie asked for what he got.

If they feel so hurt, why did they start in the first place ? Actually, Aussies should be given a warning for starting the altercation, Else ICC should formulate rules for sledging - like what words to use, how to use, volume (whether one can shout) etc. This will provide guidelines for all and provide standards for acceptable sledging ! But, that would be against the spirit of this wonderful game !

John James, Norman, US

I cannot believe that anyone would appreciate being called a monkey by both crowd and opposition. Those that have stated that Australian cricketers use racial slurs have no evidence and are purely speculating. The "biscuit" sledge is an absolute classic and is exactly what mind games are about - in every sport. If I was Indian I would be quiet for several years after the scenes coming from the previous series out there. And I do love the complaints that Australian's influence umpires. The financial muscle from the ICB hardly acts as a disadvantaged for the Indian team be it tournament organsiation or decision-making of umpire panels.

And finally a quote from one of the best batsmen of our time -
"Australians are known for their enjoyment of good, competitive cricket," Tendulkar said. "They enjoy it being played in the right spirit. "It is truly a pleasure to play in front of such crowds. Their support is always appreciated." Shame Roy couldn't say the same about India.

Ian, Bath, UK

The Aussies have not only taught the world how to sledge - but have consistently held the world "sledging" cup - an honour they dont seem to want to lose - especially to the Indians.

What I find particularly surprising is while most of the Aussie players as well as spectators accept sledging as a normal part of the game - they are all too eager to define what is acceptable sledging and what is not! Sledging by definition is supposed to be offensive.

You cannot have the cake and eat it too. If you accept sledging as a part of the game - then be willing to take what you get (racist or otherwise) on the chin like a man. If you are easily offended - they shut up and stop sledging in the first place.

Selective sledging - smacks of a hypocrisy that is worse that racism.

In fact - I think it is a blatant racisim on Australias part to take on the role of defining what is acceptable and what is offensive in the world of sledgin.

Vikram, Mumbai, India

Firstly to Sam of Houston typical arrogant comment from an American who thinks the whole world revolves around you. Sleding on the field is all part and parcel of cricket you have to try to get the batsmen to lose concentration etc and what happens on the field stays on the field but where this differs greatly is that here we have a racial slur which is not acceptable behaviour PERIOD and esp when this is his 2nd offence (he referred to Symonds as a monkey in India a few months back) so he is not innocent and this time he should be made accountable. The Aussies might sledge on the field (as do all teams) but they don't use racial slurs, and after the appalling behaviour of the Indian crowds and the racial comment of Harbhajan and Sreenath a few months back in India ( I might add it's an issue Symonds or the Aussies didn't pursue any further after the Indians apologised) Harbhajan knew what he was doing and then tried to act all innocent to the umpire, and now he should pay the penalty

Sunny, Melbourne, Australia

I find this whole sledging thing obscene .. Watching Nel's antic's in South Africa against The WI eleven made me want to turn the TV off , yet the Aussies must bear responability for turning it into a fine art. As always the ICC is trying to close the bag after the cat has escaped .. now they have to decide whether 'Monkey' is acceptable or not ... ! ! The whole business should be made illegal on the field with strict penalties for transgressors.

andy James, lyon, france

"What happens on the ground stays on the ground" - this is an old sporting axiom and as an Australian I have grown up with the outlook - "if you dish out sledging then you should be prepared to accept it back". If this alledged incident is racial in nature and is proved then only the most severe saction should be meted out to Harbhajan. Perhaps the dills (and I mean you Australians who have been prepared to consider Andrew Symonds as the perpetrator in particular) who have responded to this article by bagging the Australian team should consider how they would feel themselves being taunted racially!!

Peter, Melbourne, Australia

Is it alright to call Viv Richards or Brian Lara a monkey? No.

So why should a black man be racially villified because he wears an Australian cap?

Liz Clements, Sydney, Australia

Why people sledge? Bcos they are insecure. Thats why someone like Mc Grath had to sledge his way to get wickets and someone like Curtly Ambrose or Wasim Akram never had to cos they were so good with what they did. Similarly Viv Richards, Tendulkar or Bradman never sledged and why? Bcos of the same whereas someone like Ricky always does that. Australia maybe a first world country but still does not have a strong influence in the world stage and is a mere satellite country to United States. To make themselves heard they try to resort to these tactics especially when home. You come across Australians in UK and USA and you will see a marked difference i their attitude cos for a fact they are the ones who know where their country stands on the world stage.

Sam, Houston, TX

Typical whinging aussies, they use sledging in the most personal way all the time, but now they are being given a game, they cry to the officials when someone dares to say something to them.
Lets face it, they are all big girls blouses them aussies!

Pete, St Albans, England

Why are we(Australians) such bad sports. Our Cricket side is so talented and dish out plenty of jibes,& have always done so.,but we can't seem to take any back. I think Symonds is a fabulous player,but he should not have admitted being caught,if he was lucky enough to get away with it. Either walk,our shut up.
roxi.
QLD

Rhonda Coles, Ashmore, QLD

So we hear that Harbhajan called Symonds a monkey. OK, we can't condone this, but it was very obvious that this was in response to something that Symonds say to him in the first instance? One can only wonder what this was.

As for Ponting he's a little brat that can't take it when things don't go his way. Remmeber the last Ashes in England.

Keith, Wellington, New Zealand

Why it is always Australia? I am with Bhajji. What harbhajan has done is tit for tat.

Diganta, Guwahati, INDIA

Why is it such incidents get repoerted by the austraiian players only when they are under presssure and are defending their records. If you want to give it than learn to take it with the same measure. This aside this is a fascinating test.

ilyas, perth,

Harbhajan is a fine cricketer and he needs to learn the value oi being a fine man. This incident, if it's true, demeans him.

John Orford, Balingasag, MIsamis Oriental, pHILIPPINES

Aussies use racial slurs and personal attacks all the time, and now that they are in the losing front , they finding other ways to get rid of tough competition.

Ricky ponting can't play harbhajan and is scared so he wants to get rid of him in any way possible.. but this is a real low tactic ricky ponting and the cheating symonds.

John, Sydney, Australia

The fact of the matter is, Australian cricketers never play fairly, and why should they, when even the lousy umpires seem to be on their side? To even make a passing reference to cricket nowadays as a 'gentlemans' game has become a farcical redundancy. From an Indian point of view, the word 'monkey' that was used to describe Symonds is not at all a racist comment - we Indians use more refined insults rather than the repetitive use of the F-word and other choice swear words that have now become part and parcel of Australia's cricketing ethos. I support Harbhajan 100% in this matter- Australians seem to only be sensitive to racial taunts when they are the victims. I am sure that when Symonds entered the Australian team in the first place, the white Australians were racist towards him, so don't try to support him fakely now, or you will all come off as laughable fools. The real issue at stake here is the racist umpires, who should be setting a good example for the players out there.

Priya, Perth,

Gents, there's a difference between champion sledging and racical abuse. What Harbhajan is alleged to have said has no place in our game.

John, Junee, Australia

Why allow Harbhajan to get away with racial taunts, there are more than enough things to sledge Symonds about without it being racial. Personally, I hope Harbhajan gets a few matches suspension, make it clear that the ICC does not allow this type of behaviour.

Jodi, LA,

There's a difference between sledging one's opponent regarding their sporting prowess (or lack thereof) and personal insulting sledges regarding the colour of one's skin or racial background. It's called racial vilification!

And Raj, a batsman is entitled to stand their ground unless given out by the umpire. Don't blame Symonds for scoring 162, blame the umpires for the poor decisions!

Jim, Taunton, UK

OK so im an Aussie, so what? Andrew Symonds was out for 30, but the umpires decision is final not out. Its the past and you can do nothing about it. Harbajan still should not of said racial comments. They were not funny.

Elodie, Kerang, Australia

Raj and Amarnath this is not about sledging it is about racism an issue that India continues to ignore as not concerning them unless pointed out in the world's media where pathetic denials or accusations of overreaction can not be substantiated. Australia dish it out and take it but this is a new level. Singh's defence of i was only joking is the classic racist get out. But don't worry nothing will come of it as the ICC and the umpires will hear no evil see no evil a bit like the Indian authorities tried to do last time

John McCauley, derr city, N.Ireland

As an Australian I have to say that the Australian cricket team are generally vulgar and unsportsman like (with the exception of maybe Gilchrist). All in all they are an undignified bunch and it is one of the few Australian sporting teams that I dont support. Unfortunatley though Australians forgive bad behaviour when their team is winning, however are quick to turn on the louts when they start losing (remember Lleyton Hewit?)

However if Singh did make racist comments shame on him and the book should be thrown at him.

ash, sydney, Australia

Aussies have this habbit of taking to match refrees when things go in their way. Things happen in the middle and it is not unusual for aussies to say to opposition players. they need to get on with the game and leave it in the middle. Lets not forget the worst act done by an assuie on the ground. I feel ashamed myself looking at the replays..

Phil, adelaide, Australia

Properly used, sledging used to be one of the art forms of cricket but, when it stoops to matters of race and family, it's just not on, no matter which team you play for and where you come from.

Nick, Great Southern, Australia

Singh crossed the line, he should apoligise and accept a ban. But I doubt he will have the courage and integrity to do this.

Albert, Sydney, Australia

It is sad that this is creeping into cricket, but the Aussies can't run away from this, they are the champions in sledging and Symonds makes most of the noises. As he has already started complaining about the Australia trip to Pakistan. I am sure as far as Pakistan is concerned he can stay at home and enjoy the beaches.

Athar, Oxford, UK

This is getting crazier. The Aussies are unable to take it that India did very well and India is becoming an hurdle for them in continuously winning more than 16 tests. Symonds has been sledging Sreeshant as well.

Symonds should be the 1 to get penalised for playing on after getting out on 30 and then scoring 162 against India in the 1st innings. Symonds accepted in media openly that he got out at 30. What action is the incompetent ICC taking against him for this ??? Is Cricket a gentleman's game anymore ??

Raj, London, Middlesex

Aussies are champion sledgers and when any of the other the cricket playing nations give them back some of the sledging, which teams have learn t from them, they are the first to run to the umpires, match referee and Malcolm Speed the Aussie ICC chairman.

Amarnath, London, UK