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"We still are 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 on Tuesday 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 in Sydney 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 besieged in their hotel in Sydney, on Tuesday morning headed for the world famous Bondi Beach and played volleyball among themselves.
Tin Sydney 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 on Tuesday morning in a bid to get his reaction on the issue.
The off-spinner looked relaxed though in Sydney 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.


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