PERTH, Dec 13: Australia and South Africa have rounded on the ICC for criticising the teams over their war of words before their three-Test series. Australia captain Ricky Ponting said on Tuesday he saw nothing wrong with players engaging in banter, while South Africa’s Cricketers’ Association said its players had always conducted themselves in line with the spirit of the game.

The ICC has warned players from both sides they risk misconduct charges if they continue the sledging that has dominated the build-up to the first Test starting in Perth on Friday.

“This South African team plays hard and fair and is full of experienced cricketers who have for years conducted themselves in line with the spirit of cricket,” SACA chief executive Tony Irish said in a statement.

“Australian players have done likewise. I am amazed that the ICC sees fit to warn players, and even past players, in the media.”

The teams have been trading insults, with South Africa skipper Graeme Smith claiming Australia have lost their edge after the Ashes defeat by England and Shane Warne saying the tourists will need a psychologist after the series.

“Banter is part of our game and so far the build-up to this Test series looks like it is going to be pretty intense,” Ponting told a news conference.

“But it has just been some pretty light-hearted banter. I’m pretty comfortable with what’s happened so far in the press.”

Ponting said: “Our on-field record speaks for itself over the last couple of years and we’ll make sure when we go into the game on Friday that we’re upholding the spirit of the game as best as we possibly can.

“All the Australian players certainly know where the line in the sand is drawn and as long as no one’s outside of that we should be fine.”

SACA’s Irish said the matter should have been dealt with differently.

“If there are genuine concerns that players may offend the spirit of the game then this should be taken up with them directly and not in the form of a public lecture,” he said.—Reuters