October 2, 2007 - Australia beat India by 84 runs in the second one-day international in Kochi. Harbhajan Singh slams the Australian team for their "vulgar" behaviour.

"They think they are superior and can do and say whatever they like," the spinner said. "I don't have any problem with chit-chat on the field, but when it is very personal and vulgar, that is not on. If they want to play like that, they'll get it back from us."

October 17, 2007 - India win the final match but Australia take the series 4-2, however monkey chants directed at Australia all-rounder Symonds by sections of the Indian crowd dominate the headlines.

December 18, 2007 - The India squad arrives in Australia ahead of the four-Test series.

December 29, 2007 - Yuvraj Singh is cleared of dissent during the first Test following charges he stood his ground for several seconds after umpire Billy Bowden gave him out. Australia go on to win the match by 337 runs.

January 4, 2008 - Harbhajan is charged with using offensive language during the second Test after Ricky Ponting, Australia captain reports him to umpire Mark Benson following an altercation with Symonds.

January 6, 2008 - Australia equal their own world record of 16 consecutive Test victories with a 122-run win, but more controversy follows.

Harbhajan is found guilty of abusive language for allegedly calling Symonds a "monkey" and Mike Procter, the match referee, hands the off-spinner a three-Test ban.

India counter-claim by making accusations against spinner Brad Hogg. Anil Kumble, the India captain, is left fuming and accuses the Australians of underhand tactics.

"Only one team was playing with the spirit of the game, that's all I can say," he said.

Chetan Chauhan, India's team manager, is also furious after a string of dubious umpiring decisions go against his team, saying: "The way the umpiring was, the team is agitated and upset."

January 7, 2008 - Indian cricket officials halt the tour pending Harbhajan's appeal. A BCCI statement reads: "The incident involving Harbhajan and Symonds and the subsequent hearing by the ICC match referee and his conclusions are, to say the least, distressing.

"The board will appeal to the International Cricket Council to review the decision of the match referee and suspend its operation till the appeal is disposed of."