Hussey said Ponting had done nothing wrong by reporting Harbhajan for allegedly calling Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds a “monkey” and was merely following ICC protocols.

Admitting that it was “disappointing” the way the controversy had played out, he hoped Ponting and Kumble could get together for peace talks and “work this all out”. Denying accusations that the Australians were arrogant, he said “I know all the guys and that’s so far from the truth it’s not funny. We have a great pride in playing for the baggy green cap, and for each other.

“We know how hard it is to get an opportunity to play for Australia. We are not going to play at 80 or 85 per cent.”

Hussey said the Sydney Test was hard and uncompromising but the only “really disappointing” incident had been dealt with by match referee Mike Procter of South Africa.