India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh on Saturday refuted the allegations of racial abuse levelled against him by Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds, saying the spat between them was nothing more than an animated conversation.
"I haven't done anything we were just talking. It wasn't even sledging it was just normal talk out on the cricket field. I was concentrating on my batting," he told Australian daily The Age.
Harbhajan denied making any racial comment and said he was focused on his own game throughout.
"I did not say anything racist. I do not know what is going on. I am here to play well for my country, to bowl well and to win this Test match. This is an important game for us and we have a chance to win that's what I'm focused on," he said.
Harbhajan has been charged under the ICC's Code of Conduct for allegedly racially abusing Symonds. The charge was laid after an agitated Australian skipper Ricky Ponting complained to umpires Mark Benson and Steve Bucknor.
Meanwhile, speedster Brett Lee, who according to the Australians was hit by Harbhajan while running between the wickets triggering his spat with Symonds, has chosen to remain mum on the matter.
"I know there was an issue out there and I think it's best to ask the umpires about it," he said.
