Australian media on Thursday projected Matthew Hayden's "obnoxious weed" remark on Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh as nothing more than a "foolish" comment which could aggravate the already tense relationship between the two teams.
Hayden was let off with just a reprimand by Cricket Australia for the comment on Brisbane Radio and the local media defended it saying it is neither rude nor racist.
"Matthew Hayden was charged for simply saying what most Australians feel about Harbhajan Singh. What is wrong with calling Harbhajan an obnoxious little weed? It's not racist, it's not all that rude and it's certainly not bad for the game," The Daily Telegraph wrote.
Harbhajan replies to Hayden's jibes
The Australian newspaper only described Hayden's comments as "foolish" for openly expressing "what many in the [Australian] team think about Harbhajan.
"While it was meant to be a light-hearted radio interview, Hayden's lack of diplomacy has poured petrol on a bushfire and has given the Indians something substantial to complain about."
Melbourne's Herald Sun made a scathing attack on Harbhajan, though it also made the point that Hayden is no angel.
"It's no surprise Harbhajan Singh is right in the middle of the latest storm. He is a despised character in the Australian dressing room, but it doesn't bother the fiery spinner.
Sledging getting out of hand: BCCI
"He thrives in this combustible atmosphere. While it's not always clear whose side of the story to believe, Harbhajan is always entertaining listening," it wrote.
"It's also no surprise to find Matthew Hayden in the mix as well. Hayden is a notorious sledger, and has never backed away from airing his views on the field," the paper said.
Another article in the paper seemed to agree to the Indians' view that the world champions are angry that they have been paid in the same coin by the visitors.
"What India has shown this summer is that it is not afraid to expose any so-called on-field secrets. Many touring teams have come and left with their tails between their legs. India certainly hasn't, and, in some ways, Australia is not used to this.
"That's why the world champions sometimes react in anger when things don't go their way. The fuse has been lit. Bring on Sunday," the newspaper said, urging the fans not to miss the potentially-explosive finals.
The newspaper counselled captain Ricky Ponting to play the role of statesman to prevent the situation going out of hand in the best-of-three title finals.
"If there is a fight on hand, he won't shy away from it. To a certain extent, that's what leadership is all about. Leadership, too, is about remaining calm and letting your actions tell the story.
"Ponting must learn to do this and encourage his men to follow, otherwise the tri-series finals will be lost. Match referee Jeff Crowe must also take control."
The Age said "the bickering sets an unpleasant scene ahead of Sunday's first tri-series final. Already this summer there have been more controversies between the sides than any other tour in history."
