From Fox Sports
[Harbhajan sinks the boot in
By Jon Pierik
February 28, 2008
INDIA spinner Harbhajan Singh exploded with rage when describing his chief critic Matthew Hayden as one of the most disliked figures in world cricket.
Furious that Hayden had called him an "obnoxious little weed", Harbhajan hit back at the big opener and the rest of an Australia team he believes has perfected the art of sledging and is bad for cricket.
Harbhajan's spray came as Hayden escaped with a reprimand after being charged with making a "detrimental public comment" about the India star.
But he was clearly unhappy to have been found guilty of an infraction for a remark made during a jocular interview on Brisbane radio.
Hayden called Harbhajan an "obnoxious little weed", words that caused a wave of consternation among Indian cricket followers.
Following the verdict, Hayden read a brief statement outside CA's Jolimont headquarters in Melbourne.
"I maintain my innocence, my intentions were never to denigrate cricket or anyone," he said.
"But in the spirit of cricket I respect and accept the decision."
Hayden's forced apology is unlikely to pass muster with Harbhajan, who did not hold back in making his retort.
"Who is Matthew Hayden?" asked Harbhajan.
"I don't want it to be a slanging match, but you only need to speak to international cricketers and international teams to know in what opinion they hold Hayden."
Harbhajan even accused Australia of trying to cover up their on-field sledging by hiding among their teammates to avoid being detected by television cameras. He claimed during the one-day international in Adelaide this month that Ponting had continually asked him to "show what you've got" while he was batting.
Harbhajan responded with a cheeky: "Whatever I have shown in the middle has been better than yours in the series so far."
Ponting, at that stage, was struggling with the bat.
Harbhajan then claimed Ponting told him to "f... off" after the India player was dismissed.
Harbhajan stopped and turned around to see the Australia captain yelling abuse while celebrating with his teammates.
"They do it so well," Harbhajan said. "They keep their back to you when they have something nasty to say to the opponent."
It's understood the pair exchanged words later that night outside the dressing room.
These comments have poured more fuel on what will be an explosive finals series, beginning in Sydney on Sunday.
Relations reached a new low on Sunday when the tourists filed an official report against alleged verbal abuse from Hayden, Ponting and Andrew Symonds during Australia's 18-run win at the SCG.]
ITSTL. If the Australians are sledging away from the presence of TV cameras then I think it justifies my previous comment about all onfield players should be wearing microphones. Lol at harbhajan's comeback - very clever for a guy who usually lacks tact and subtlety.