There are some rare instances when a Test match has proved to be exciting and disturbing at the same time. The Sydney Test between India and Australia in 2008 was one such occasion. One of the most controversial Test matches, it saw an aggressive standoff between Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh and Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds. This soon took the form of a racial controversy and became known as the Monkey Gate scandal.
This ‘volcano’ erupted in the second test match between Australia and India in 2008. This Test match was controversial from the beginning. On-field umpire Steve Bucknor took several decisions in favor of Australia.
These questionable decisions included a wrong caught behind a call for Australian captain Ricky Ponting – with Australia 45/2 – and two wrong calls – one caught behind and a missed stumping – for Symonds, scores 191/6 and 423/7. When the decision was taken with Make. With this Australia made a huge total of 463 runs in the first innings. The Indian team has been badly shocked by these decisions. However, the storm was yet to come.
It happened that India’s master blaster Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan were taming the Australian team with their excellent partnership. They were on 100 runs partnership for the 8th wicket.
At this time Harbhajan hit a boundary off Brett Lee. Bhajji patted Lee on the back and told him the difficult fate. Symonds chose not to keep quiet and the all-rounder was recorded on the stump mic saying, “We don’t need to, do it with your teammates.” Harbhajan also replied in a word or two. This was the beginning of a never ending chaos in the history of Test cricket.
After a verbal argument between the two players, on-field umpire Mark Benson said some strong words to Harbhajan. It was then learned that Australians have complained to the umpire about Harbhajan making racist remarks towards Symonds. He was reported to have called the Australian all-rounder “Monkey”.
Match referee Mike Proctor said Harbhajan had breached the Level 3 offense of the ICC Code of Conduct and was banned for three Test matches. However, this was followed by a court hearing at the Federal Court Building in Adelaide. Ponting, Matthew Hayden and Michael Clarke appeared as witnesses for Symonds. Tendulkar was Harbhajan’s witness.
In the end, Harbhajan got some relief from ICC Appeals Commissioner Justice John Hansen, who found him not guilty of making racist remarks towards Symonds. Instead he was fined 50% of the match fee.
However, it seems that both the players have decided to move on leaving the ugly brawl behind. He played for the same franchise Mumbai Indians in IPL.
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