As all signs pointed that that tour was limping back to normalcy, the critical issue of Harbhajan Singh seeking to clear his name from the racist slur is still a burning matter with the Indians.

The tourists appeared to have been granted their wish of sticking to the original schedule of a three-day, and not a two-day, game against the Australian Cricketers’ Territory (ACT) XI, beginning from Thursday.

They have still made it quite clear that Harbhajan issue is a live one with them and they wouldn’t be in a good frame of mind if this is not resolved at the earliest.

Another time bomb ticking would be if the Indians lose the appeal on Harbhajan. However, nobody was looking that far yet.

Early reports suggested that Harbhajan’s appeal would not be disposed of in a hurry.

Madugalle would have a critical role in the matter as he has been summoned at a short notice by his employers, the ICC, to play the saviour of the series.

Madugalle’s first task will be to get the two rival captains, Ricky Ponting and Anil Kumble, in a room and resume their communication as well as respect which the legends like them ought to have between themselves.

Madugalle, when contacted in Sri Lanka, refused to divulge anything except that he was planning to leave for Australia pretty shortly.