Australia coach Tim Nielsen on Monday played down the brief exchange of words between Harbhajan Singh [Images] and Ricky Ponting [Images] in Sunday's tri-series match and admitted the home captain's poor form has become a worry for the team.

Ponting, who was Harbhajan's bunny in the Test series against India, could not hide his glee after his nemesis was out in Sunday's match which the hosts won by 50 runs.

Ponting appeared to say something to Harbhajan as the Indian left the crease after being dismissed but his coach felt there is not much to make out of it.

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"It's been a long summer and there is a bit of feeling between the sides. But it's not different to what has always happened in the 100 years of the game.

"Only because it's between India and Australia, Harbhajan and Ponting and those sort of things and people notice it more," he said.

"I don't think it isn't there in the games against Sri Lanka [Images] but they are not noticed as much," Nielsen added.

He, however, was candid enough to admit that the top order is not firing on all cylinders and the captain has not been at his best, to say the least.

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"Ricky has set such high standards over the last four or five years that everyone wants to see a bit more on the screen," he said.

"He's not having the season he would like. He hit the ball pretty hard but straight to point. He is showing good form in the nets but is under pressure for not contributing as he would like to," Nielsen said.

"Our top order has missed out. It's not been easy to force the pace," Nielsen added.

The coach now wants his batsmen to hit more shots down the ground than get caught in the slip cordon for the rest of the series.

"Our batsmen have got caught in the slips and square of the wicket mostly in the series. I would like them to hit down the ground a bit more," said Nielsen, as he answered persistent questions about the failure of his batsmen.

"Our middle order hasn't jelled and that's no secret. Players know it, they are desperate for answers and it's time to refresh and clear up your thinking."

Nielsen credited the bowlers of this tournament for making life difficult for the batsmen.

"There are four or five bowlers in this tournament who have bowled well into 140-plus and with the new ball swinging, it has made life difficult for batsmen.

"We have three or four guys who are missing out and we can improve but there's no panic."

There, however, has been an exception and Nielsen heaped praise on Michael Clarke [Images] who has gone from strength to strength in the series.

"He has had a very good World Cup. He was tremendous in Tests as well and now is doing a great job in the one-day series," Nielsen said.