That Harbhajan Singh continues to evoke strong emotion in this part of the globe was evident again as the Australian media reacted with glee after the volatile off-spinner was suspended for slapping S Sreesanth in an Indian Premier League match.
The Courier Mail published a photograph of the temperamental Indian, titled "What a slapper!"
It was a file photograph of Harbhajan in Team India colours -- his arms spread wide and tongue out in a wild celebration.
The daily chose the occasion to remind its readers that the offie was initially banned for three Tests for his alleged racist remarks against Andrew Symonds before he was "let off" with a lesser fine.
Sydney Morning Herald too took note of the event and remarked, "The IPL was supposed to divide the cricketing world. Instead, it's bringing an end to racial hostilities. All they need to do now is get Harbhajan Singh to stop slapping his fellow Indians around."
BCCI issues notice to Harbhajan
"Singh slap shocker" screamed a headline in the Herald Sun, which said how the spat "rocked" the Indian Premier League.
The Daily Telegraph also gave its version of how the "Harby turmoil" had rocked cricket world.
The daily did not miss the occasion to point out that "The 27-year-old spinner has had a poor disciplinary record since making his India debut in 1998."
