Sport

'Aussies will continue to play hard'

perth, australia, cmc

AUSTRALIA, WHO SWEPT the West Indies in a three-Test series last month, say they will continue to play their "hard" brand of cricket when they meet South Africa in the first Test at the WACA Friday.

This is despite a call from the International Cricket Council on players to reduce their verbal "war of words", ahead of the opening game of the three-Test series. "I'm a bit surprised because I have been pretty happy with everything leading into the series," the Australian Telegraph quoted Australian captain Ricky Ponting as saying.

"There has been a bit of banter between the players leading up to the series but nothing too untoward."

"I am sure the cricket will be played in a hard but fair manner. It normally is when South Africa and Australia play each other.

"The main culprits this time are the ones who do it every time - (Shane) Warne and (Glenn) McGrath - who write their little articles leading up to every series. Those guys actually like the challenge of making the statements and getting out there and backing them up."

He added: "That's the way they have played their best cricket over the past 10 years. As long as they're aware what we are doing and we're sensible about what we're doing and our side are delighting the fans then I'm happy."

On Sunday, the ICC warned that behaviour which compromised the spirit of the game would not be tolerated.

"In recent times series such as Pakistan v India and England v Australia have highlighted the importance of the Spirit of the Game in cricket," ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed said.

"Unfortunately, since the Ashes there has been a spate of Code of Conduct offences committed by players which have resulted in a series of penalties being applied, including suspension."

"There have also been a series of comments by players and former players ahead of the Australia - South Africa series that I believe make it necessary to remind the players of the importance of playing within the Spirit of the game ahead of this series."

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