Hayden censured for comment

Australia left-hander Matthew Hayden © Getty Images

Australia batsman Matthew Hayden has been reprimanded by Cricket Australia for remarks made about India spinner Harbhajan Singh after a lengthy hearing in Melbourne.

Commissioner Ron Beazley issued a reprimand to Hayden as a penalty for breaching the CA code of conduct with comments about Harbhajan in a radio interview.

Hayden was charged by CA chief James Sutherland under rule 9 of the CA Code of Behaviour which prohibits players from the "public denigration of other players against whom they have or will play".

Relations between the two sides have been tense following the allegations of racial abuse against Harbhajan which overshadowed last month's second Test in Sydney.

Earlier, Australia paceman Brett Lee said the players were eager to put the controversy behind them and instead focus on the Commonwealth Bank Series finals, which begin on Sunday at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

"It's a bit of a shame a few things have happened on the cricket field, people know where the line in the sand is and if you cross that line well you know you will get dealt with," Lee said.

"The thing we have to acknowledge too is that once you do walk onto the cricket field and go over that line it doesn't matter whose made friendships, it's very important we go out there and play the hardest, toughest, fairest cricket we possibly can."

Hayden revealed after the hearing that he is now keen to put the incident behind him: "My intentions were never to denigrate cricket or anyone but the umpire has made his decision and in the spirit of our own code of behaviour and the great game of cricket I respect and accept the decision.

"We've got a trophy out there that, for the next few weeks, I'm obviously really keen with my team-mates to concentrate on."