Canberra, Jan 12: India's opening batsman Virender Sehwag, who hit a sparkling 113 off 78 balls against the ACT XI, has said that India would not shy away from any tit-for-tat riposte to the abuses hurled at his teammates by the Australians.

Throwing his weight behind Harbhajan, who is fighting a three-match ban for allegedly abusing Symonds, Sehwag said the off-spinner did not say anything, which could amount to racially abusing in Sydney.

"When two players have an argument they are bound to say something annoying, but Harbhajan knows what to say and what not. I am sure he did not say anything racial," Sehwag said after practice match against ACT XI today.

He said it was heartening to see some of the players giving it back to the abrasive Australians.

"It is good that we have some youngsters who can give back what is hurled on them. They have the attitude and the confidence. I mean why should we take it lying down? We should pay them back and that`s how it should be," he said.

"We just want to come and play cricket. If they say something, we will also talk back, but hopefully there would be nothing against the spirit of cricket," he told Star Cricket.

"Australians are famous at sledging. If they start it, we will not be quiet. And that's how it should be, why should we be quiet? In the next Test, considering the circumstances, there might not be any chat," Sehwag said.

The Indian team travels to Perth after completing a three-day tour game against the ACT XI in Canberra. (ANI)