Australia opener Matthew Hayden says he admires the way Harbhajan Singh is playing his cricket since the Test series in Australia.

By Ranabir Majumdar

Hayden, who had called Bhajji an "obnoxious weed" during the acrimonous series Down Under earlier this year, told reporters in New Delhi on Thursday that he admired the way the spinner was playing his cricket.

"Everyone's moved on from the Harbhajan-Symonds episode and I admire the way Bhajji has gone about his game. He has been a star in the spirit of the game (in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy). Everyone's learnt from last summer," he said.

Hayden was attending the inaugural T20 Champions Award and the schedule and draw of lots for the Champions League Twenty20.

Asked about the tension and competitiveness between the India and Australia, he said: "I think the players are like two hungry dogs in a ring and they will always go at each other. There is always going to be some teeth raised.

"I want to see that competitive edge. India has had the best of us, but we are looking ahead to the next two Tests and will put up a big fight," he said.