India had reasons enough to demand a second hearing in the racism row involving Harbhajan Singh but they erred by staying put in Sydney, according to noted columnist Peter Roebuck.

Roebuck, who had earlier demanded Ricky Ponting’s sacking for the unsporting behaviour of the hosts during the Sydney Test, said the decision to stay put in Sydney cost India sympathy.

“India have a right to demand a second hearing. However, it is hardly fit and proper for the entire tour to shudder to a halt in the meantime. By skulking in hotel rooms the tourists stand in danger of losing public sympathy,” Roebuck wrote in Sydney Morning Herald.

“India have plenty of power and money and they ought to use it judiciously... the Indians should have gone to Canberra long ago, leaving their wounds behind,” he said.

The former Somerset captain, now based in Sydney, said Anil Kumble’s condemnation of the Australian behaviour would be etched in history.

“Throughout, Anil Kumble’s strongest point has been his withering condemnation of the excessive conduct of an Australian team sorely missing the calming influence of its previous coach. His words were carefully chosen and given an historical context,” said Roebuck.

“For only the second time in 130 years of Test cricket, a team was accused publicly of unsporstmanlike conduct by a respected captain,” he said. “Beyond question, Kumble’s words will have a lasting effect on the way the game is played. Everything needs to be seen in that light,” Roebuck said.