MELBOURNE, May 13: The clash between Australia’s fast bowler Glenn McGrath and West Indies batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan during the fourth Test was an “ugly incident” which sent a poor message to fans, Australian Cricket Board (ACB) chief James Sutherland said on Tuesday.

“I’m not so much concerned about what may have been said on the field as to the message that it sends back to the cricket-viewing public,” the ACB chief executive told reporters. “It’s certainly an ugly incident.”

McGrath was involved in a heated finger-pointing exchange with Sarwan who made 105.

Sutherland said he had spoken to Australia captain Steve Waugh overnight to tell him of the team’s responsibilities as ambassadors for Australia and the game of cricket.—Reuters