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Harbhajan free to finish series

14/01/2008

Harbhajan Singh has been cleared to play in India's final two Tests against Australia after the date of his appeal hearing was announced.

The spinner has been charged by the International Cricket Council (ICC) with racially abusing Andrew Symonds during Australia's controversial victory over the tourists in Sydney on January 6th.

His appeal against the three-match ban imposed by the governing body will now be heard on January 29th and 30th in Adelaide.

The delay in hearing the case means Harbhajan will be thrust back into the spotlight as he attempts to help drag India back towards a draw in the matches in Perth and Adelaide which begin on January 16th and 24th respectively.

The accusations and subsequent punishment levelled against Harbhajan sparked a dramatic reaction from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) which briefly hinted that it would bring the tour to an end in protest.

However it has now settled for accepting the verdict passed by an appeal hearing that will be presided over by Justice John Hansen of New Zealand.

"We would have preferred the appeal to be held earlier but it was not possible," said ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed.

"Both Cricket Australia and the Board of Control for Cricket in India have requested the hearing be held after the Test series for logistical reasons and, following due consideration, Justice Hansen agreed."

India's stance has softened since their initial outrage at Harbhajan's case and an official complaint they planned to make against Australian bowler Brad Hogg over comments he allegedly made to batsman Anil Kumble and Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been dropped.