The Australian Cricket Board has warned Steve Waugh's team about their on-field behaviour following an incident during the fourth Test in the West Indies.

It's certainly an ugly incident James Sutherland Tempers fray in Antigua

Fast bowler Glenn McGrath was involved in an angry finger-pointing confrontation with batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan during the fourth day's play in Antigua.

"I'm not so much concerned about what may have been said on the field as the message that it sends back to the cricket-viewing public.

"It's certainly an ugly incident," said ACB chief executive James Sutherland.

It was not the first time tempers had frayed during the game, with Waugh himself exchanging words with West Indies skipper Brian Lara earlier in the game.

"Steve certainly agrees that the team itself needs to be able to cope with situations when things aren't going their way. That's when the real test is on.

"If you can't carry yourself in the right fashion, in the true spirit of the game, at those times, then perhaps you need to have a good look at yourself," Sutherland commented.

Umpire David Shepherd intervenes

The incident involving McGrath and Sarwan may be investigated by International Cricket Council match referee Mike Procter, although he took no action of Waugh's exchange with Lara.

Two years ago the Australian Cricketers' Association, the players' union, put forward a suggestion for the introduction of a card system, similar to football.

A white card would signal a warning, a yellow card would result in a player being sent from the field for two hours, while a red would mean a ban for the rest of the game.

The cards proposal was not adopted, but the ICC introduced a new disciplinary code in April 2002 aimed at stamping out indiscipline by players.

Speaking at the time, ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed, who was Sutherland's predecessor at the ACB, said: "Improving on-field discipline is a major priority."