CA chief tells Aussies to behave

Sydney, Oct 4 (UNI) In a mild censure to the World Champions, Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive James Sutherland has described the on-field behaviour of Ricky Pontings' men as an ''area of concern'' and has called on them to play the game in the right spirit.

''I know it's something the players have talked about in recent times, even at the camp to address areas of concern, areas of susceptibility. I am sure they are making conscious efforts to keep the slate clean and play the game in the right spirit,'' Sutherland told the 'Herald Sun' in an interview.

His statement comes after the Australians, once again, came in for criticism for their behaviour in the recently concluded tri-series against India and West Indies in Malaysia. Ponting himself was penalised for showing dissent to an umpire's decision.

Sutherland said he expected the World Champions to improve their behaviour, which, according to him, has been mild in the recent times.

''In a broader sense, that (the reports) is concerning. If you have a look at a case-by-case scenario, I think they have been relatively minor,'' he said.

''I am not in any way condoning that behaviour, but they are level one,'' he added.

The CA cheif also felt that the Aussies have made a conscious effort to improve themselves but since the standards of behaviour have been raised further by the ICC, the World Champions would have to be extra careful. ''My strong feeling is that the bar has actually been raised a little bit by the ICC over the last 12 months, 18 months. Mentally we need to continue to keep up with that,'' he said.

''They are very aware it's more than just what you do out on the field. That has improved,'' the CA cheif added.

Sutherland, meanwhile, was not worried about the other major issue facing the team in the seemingly widening rift between Shane Warne and coach John Buchanan and said the recent reports and comments made by the leg-spinner did not suggest any major problem.

''It's just not an issue. They agree to disagree on a whole lot of things. One of the things that was really good about the (recent boot) camp was that they had an opportunity to spend some time together. I think they even shared a tent for a few days.

''I get a bit tired about reading about it in the newspapers. I know the players are focused on achieving what they want to achieve this summer and the coach is an absolute critical part of that,'' he reacted on being asked about the issue.

Sutherland rejected suggestions that Warne's comments about Buchanan 'lacking common sense sometimes' were derogatory to the long-time coach and felt that the matter had been blown out of proportion.

''I thought, 'What was the big deal?'. The comments he made I didn't see in any way (as being) inflammatory or suggesting there was a break in the relationship,'' he said.

The CA chief said Buchanan had served the Australian cricket well in his tenure and despite all the criticism, he had come out with the results.

''John Buchanan's record with the Australian team in one-day and Test cricket has been phenomenal. I read, at times, comments criticising John Buchanan. The thing that I like and really respect about John (is) he has got this team to never, ever be complacent in their standing as number one,'' he elaborated.

Speaking about the Darrell Hair controversy, which dominated international headlines, Sutherland said the beleagured umpire will have opportunities in Australia if shown the door from the ICC Elite Panel.

''If you have a look at performances, he is one of the best in the world. My view is he still has plenty to offer international cricket. I hope that's the case. Providing he is in Australia -- he lives in England -- I am sure there will be opportunities,'' Sutherland said.

The CA chief also vowed to stamp out racism from cricket in the country and said any abuse by the spectators would not be tolerated.

''It's damaging and disappointing, to be frank. There are people out there who we don't want at the cricket,'' he said.

UNI