Harbhajan hearing to go on till late night

Australians were the first to present themselves for the hearing which began at around 1930 hrs local time. Present for the Australian defence were skipper Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, Michael Clarke and Andrew Symonds, along with team manager Steve Bernard.

After the Australians had finished, the Indians began their defence in front of the authorities. Both the sides were being cross examined.

Indians are being represented by Harbhajan Singh, Sachin Tendulkar and skipper Anil Kumble, besides team manager Chetan Chauhan.

It is unlikely that match referee Mike Procter would take any decision right away as the matter is too complicated to be decided outright.

However, the word floating around at the SCG was that Australians have some substantial basis for levelling the charge against Harbhajan.