DARWIN, July 15: Australian coach John Buchanan has warned his team to cut down on sledging if they want their achievements to gain maximum respect.

Buchanan has helped to make the current Australian cricket side into world-beaters.

Sledging is seen as part of the modern game by many players, and is used effectively by the Aussies to wind up other teams.

However, Buchanan said: “The players concerned let their team down and they let themselves down. They lose respect and team-mates are distracted.”

The coach is determined to improve Australia’s image after sledging disputes tarnished victories this year.

The bitterest exchanges came when Glenn McGrath and West Indies batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan eyeballed each other in Antigua.

Australian Test captain Steve Waugh was also involved in heated discussions with Windies star Brian Lara earlier in the match.

Afterwards, Australian Cricket Board chief executive James Sutherland told Waugh and his players to keep their emotions in check.

It also led to calls from the-then International Cricket Council chief executive Malcolm Speed for umpires to take a tough stance over such behaviour.—PPI