Harbhajan in, Procter and Bucknor out

As per the latest news reaching in on the racism controversy, Harbhajan Singh is free to play the 3rd & 4th test matches in on going Border Gavaskar test series down under and Bucknor is not officiating in the 3rd test in Perth. Moreover, Ranjan Madgule has been appointed as the refree for the remainder of the series replacing Proctor, whose integrity too was doubtful in the entire case relating to Harbhajan's suspension. ICC has also confirmed that they have received an official complaint against Australian spinner Brad Hogg for using abusive language.

The Indian team, however, has refused to leave Sydney till Harbhajan is absolved of the racism charges all togather.

This should send a clear signal to the authorities concerned that they need to look into the matters more judiciously than before and take strict action against the erring Australians who "like to play their game tough" but donot have the stomach to take it back in same spirit.

For any of those who have not followed the controversy so far, here it is summarized

January 8 - ICC removes Steve Bucknor from officiating in the 3rd test in Perth and appoints Madgule as series refree.

January 7 - Indian team stays on in Sydney to push removal of ban and rallies around Harbhajan. BCCI files appeal with ICC

January 6 - Harbhajan found guilty of making a racist remark to Andrew Symonds on day three of the Sydney Test between India and Australia and slapped with a three-Test ban.

January 5 - Harbhajan hearing postponed

January 4 - Harbhajan charged with offensive/racist behaviour following a compalint by Ricky Ponting.