The fiery verbal duel between Andrew Symonds [Images] and Harbhajan Singh [Images] began when the Indian offie hit Australian paceman Brett Lee [Images] in his back, a newspaper report claimed in Sydney on Saturday.

"Insiders in the Aussie camp have said Symonds became incensed after Harbhajan hit Aussie paceman Brett Lee on the backside when he was batting.

"Symonds saw the incident and fired an angry broadside at the Indian spinner, who responded in kind," a Herald Sun report claimed.

However, Symonds, who has accused Singh of hurling racist remarks against him, did not confirm what actually happened between them.

"With the code of conduct hearing to be held, I am unable to detail exactly what was said between myself and Harbhajan Singh during our run-in on Friday," Symonds was quoted as saying.

Harbhajan has been charged under rule 3.3 of the ICC's [Images] Code of Conduct that deals with using language or gestures that insults a person on the basis of race, religion, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin.

If found guilty Harbhajan could be banned for two to four Tests or four to eight one-dayers. But the off-spinner has vehemently denied saying anything racial during the altercation.

Symonds, meanwhile, said no one in the Australian team but Adam Gilchrist [Images], would walk on his own if they get out and the umpire fails to note.

"Apparently, in the eyes of some critics, I should have merrily walked after nicking one to the Indian wicketkeeper. 

"But I have never once walked in my career and I'm not about to start now. And, barring Adam Gilchrist, nor will anybody else in the current Australian team," he said.