Indians in no hurry to go to Canberra

SYDNEY: The visiting Indian team is in no hurry to rush for Canberra even after the International Cricket Council announced its relief measures on their grouses on Tuesday.

"We are still keen to see the exact statement of the ICC and how the Indian Cricket Board reacts to it," said media manager MV Sridhar after news filtered in about the ICC's decision to remove Steve Bucknor as umpire for the third Test in Perth, as well as the measure to rush its Chief Match Referee Ranjan Madugale to Perth to facilitate the smooth conduct of the third Test against Australia.

"One issue has been solved, the other, more major one remains to be sorted out," said a senior member of the Indian team with a mix of anxiety and relief at the team hotel this evening.

The visiting Indian team is still hung up on the 'racist charge' which was levelled against Harbhajan Singh by the Australians and subsequently upheld by Match Referee Mike Procter.

They would rather have a positive word on Harbhajan Singh before rushing to Canberra to play in the two-day match against Australian Capital Territory XI starting here on Thursday.

"Matches can wait. This is the more serious issue of a member of our side being dubbed as culprit. We need to find an answer to this. It could affect our preparation," the player said.

The Indian team has not touched a bat or ball in the two days since the Sydney Test ended in a 122-run loss for them.

Indians, virtually beseiged in their hotel in Sydney, this morning headed for the world famous Bondi Beach and played volleyball among themselves.

There was a fair bit of interest on the team and everyone on the street, be it a cab driver, a shopkeeper or anyone you accost has only one question on his lips, "Would the series go on?""

Harbhajan Singh whenever he stepped out of his room, caused a stir. Australian media was in full force and crowded him this morning in a bid to get his reaction on the issue.

The off-spinner looked relaxed though there was little doubt he was still simmering with discontent over the three-Test ban he has copped over the alleged 'racist remarks' directed against Andrew Symonds.