Seeking to clear air over the altercation Zaheer Khan had with Ricky Ponting, India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh said the issue was a misunderstanding on the part of Australia's captain.
Harbhajan said Zaheer's remarks were not directed at Ponting; the pacer was just talking with teammate VVS Laxman.
"I was not there when the incident happened. But a teammate told me that Zaheer was telling Laxman 'you are Usain Bolt'. Ponting thought it was directed at him and came back asking what did he exactly say," Harbhajan told the official match broadcaster before the start of the second day's play in the first Test in Mohali on Saturday.
The exchange of words came after Ponting was run-out on Day 1 of the Test.
Shane Watson pushed the fourth ball of the 42nd over towards mid-wicket and called Ponting, who was batting on 71, for a quick single. Before the skipper could make his ground, Suresh Raina's throw hit the stumps.
Ponting was walking back towards the pavilion and turned back after hearing Zaheer's comments.
With the Indian players gathered in celebration of the wicket, Ponting walked back pointing the bat at them before umpire Billy Bowden intervened.
Harbhajan, who was involved in the infamous 'monkeygate' scandal with Andrew Symonds, said he was 'lucky' not being around when the incident happened.
"I was having a drink at the other side. I only came to know about it later. But these things happen in cricket, but I believe, for both teams, playing good cricket is priority," he said.
Hayden's retirement seems to have taken the sense of righteous indignation out of the team too.
Mitch
