IPL an incredible experience, says Hayden

Sydney: After experiencing a fortnight of glitz and glory in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Australian cricketers say playing on the same side with Indian players has helped mend strained relations.

"It's been an incredible experience. It's been one that's broken down the cultural barriers that perhaps existed through the course of this summer but also, more than anything, it's been a hell of a lot of fun to play in," Australia's star batsman Matthew Hayden, who played for Chennai Super Kings, said in Brisbane.

After a summer of discontent which led to souring of ties between players from the two sides, Hayden was not having the last laugh at Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh's suspension for slapping India team mate S. Sreesanth.

"I think it was a pretty disappointing thing. I just think we've all tried to move on from anything to do with taking a backward step in the way last summer went on," Hayden said.

Breach of code

Hayden was charged with a breach of the Cricket Australia Code of Behaviour for calling the controversial spinner "obnoxious little weed".

Earlier, Harbhajan was banned for three Tests after Australian players gave evidence that he called Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds a "monkey" during the second Test in Sydney in January. His charge was reduced on appeal.

As Australians switch to the Test mode, training at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane, Hayden said he needed to make "big adjustments" to be prepared for the West Indies tour that will include three Tests and five one-day Internationals.

I think it was a pretty disappointing thing. I just think we've all tried to move on from anything to do with taking a backward step in the way last summer went on."