Indians suspend Aussie tour over race row

The tourists have decided to stay in Sydney rather than travel to Canberra for their next match while they appeal Harbhajan's three-Test ban for racial abuse.

Singh was alleged to have called all-rounder Andrew Symonds, the only non-white player in the Australian team, a "monkey" during the Second Test, which the home side won with one over remaining.

Indian cricket officials have responded by suspending the tour with two matches of the four-Test series still to play.

A statement from the Indian board said: "The board will appeal to the International Cricket Council to review the decision of the match referee and suspend its operation till the appeal is disposed of."

The India players, led by captain Anil Kumble, will stay in Sydney as they await the appeal against the decision by match referee Mike Procter, who was persuaded Harbhajan had used the word and that "he meant it to offend on the basis of Symonds's race or ethnic origin".

India's move is the latest development in a contest which is threatening to rival the infamous Bodyline series for the bitterness between Australia and tourists.

Kumble evoked memories of the 1932-33 Ashes series, when English bowlers used aggressive bowling tactics to nullify the threat of Australia's star batsman Don Bradman.

After his side had lost in Sydney following a series of disputed decisions, Kumble said: "Only one team was playing within the spirit of the game, that's all I can say."

The comment recalled the complaint by Bill Woodfull, Australia captain in the Bodyline series, who said: "There are two teams out there. One is playing cricket, the other is making no attempt to do so."

Kumble's team were beaten by 122 runs in Sydney after losing their last three wickets in the penultimate over.

The first incident to upset India came when Australia were 134 for six in their first innings and Symonds, on 30, edged a catch off Ishant Sharma.

He later admitted he hit the ball but he was given not out and went on to score an unbeaten career-high 162.

On the final day, the Australians claimed Rahul Dravid, then on 38, had edged behind, despite television replays showing the ball had come off the pad.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting said: "There's been one little issue that's come out of the game. Otherwise, the spirit between both teams has been excellent."