Off the field, Aussies are good guys: Chris Cairns

World champions Australia, under fire for their questionable behaviour on the Champions Trophy podium, on Saturday received some moral backing from unexpected quarters - their arch-rivals New Zealand.

Kiwis left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori and former all-rounder Chris Cairns said the incident was "unfortunate" but urged the Indian media to "keep it in context".

In fact, Cairns said his trans-Tasman rivals might come across as tough blokes on the field but off the field, they were "good guys".

"It was an unfortunate incident. I think they (the Australians) might regret it somewhat, but it is not something to be debated upon. We should put it behind us and move on," Vettori said.

Cairns was more forthright. "It was an unfortunate end to a fantastic tournament. But it is important not to blow it out of proportion," the 36-year old charismatic player said.

"I have seen it on television myself and I think words like nudging and pushing were not the right ones to describe it. The BCCI President himself has made no complaints about it.

"Given a second chance, I am sure the Aussies would do it differently. But it has more to do with the situation. We must keep it in context."

The New Zealanders were here on a promotional visit. The Australians received the flak for their manner of celebration while receiving the Champions Trophy from BCCI President Sharad Pawar in Mumbai on Sunday.

As Pawar stood with the trophy waiting to hand it over to Ricky Ponting and Co, the tv anchor mistakenly announced the ceremony was over and signalled the coverage "back to the studios".

Ponting, eager to receive the title, was seen casually gesturing at Pawar to hand over the trophy to him. Damien Martyn then gently tapped on Pawar, suggesting he leave the podium so that the party could begin.

It was the first time Australia had won the biennial event since its inception in 1998. Sachin Tendulkar termed the Aussies' behaviour as "uncalled for" and a few other former Indian cricketers said the champion side owed an apology to Pawar and the BCCI.

Cairns, who played his last ODI earlier this year, did not believe there was any cultural clash, though. "Look, if Sachin is going to do the same thing to a businessman in Australia, it is going to be looked at in the same way," he said.

So, is it correct to say that the Australians have a generally arrogant attitude? "On the field, yes. Off the field, they are good guys," Cairns said. "They play their sport hard, but off the field they are very good human-beings."