Facing flak from several quarters for his 'third world country' remarks against India, Australian opener Matthew Hayden [Images] has insisted that he meant no disrespect to the nation or its people.

Hayden had earlier blamed Indian conditions, which according to him were typical of third world countries', after Australia [Images] were penalised for slow over-rate during the recent Border-Gavaskar series.

• Akram attacks Hayden for his comments about India

However, the sturdy left-hander has denied he meant any disrespect, and insisted he has high regards for a country which has emerged as a major rival for the world champions in recent times.