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There is a saying in cricket that the Australians are a bunch of bullies who do not 'like it up them'. They are quite adept at dishing out insults - some of their sledging has intimidated some of the best opponents in the world. But the moment someone returns the compliment, they complain.

The controversy on the current Indian tour of Australia centers around the Indian spinner Harbajhan Singh. He allegedly called the Australian all rounder Andrew Symonds a monkey during a heated argument. The Aussie captain Ricky Ponting - one of the most aggressive men on a cricket pitch - reported the incident, despite requests not to do so. In so doing, he opened up a whole can of worms. Insults were traded between the two sides and Singh was given a three-match ban. The Indians even threatened to call off the tour at one stage.

First let me say that Singh was wrong to call Symonds what he did - if indeed he did so. It is a racist comment based on the color of someone's skin. Such behavior must be routed out of sport and society. But the point here is that the Australians are hypocrites. People in glass houses should not throw stones. Opponents have had to put up with their nasty comments for years. They never go rushing to the match referee to complain. They take it on the chin. But the cowardly Australians seem to arrogantly believe they have carte blanche to hurl abuse at anyone and everyone with no right of reply.

I would congratulate the normally partisan Australian media and public. For once they have admitted their players and particularly Ponting have gone beyond the line of reasonable behavior. Thank goodness the Indians were captained by an honorable man in Anil Kumble, who got together with Ponting to try to iron our problems between the teams. The outcome was that the ensuing Test match was played in a much better atmosphere - and it was no coincidence that the Aussies lost.

We can only hope the Australians have learned their lesson. Singh was out of order. But there are many Aussies who have stepped out of line over the years and we have never heard a whisper about them

Learn more about this author, Phil Hill.
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