Aussies and Proteas warned by ICC

The ICC has threatened disciplinary action if the series, which begins on Friday, is not played in a good spirit.

But international players' chief Tim May said the ICC should apply the same standards to the game's administrators.

"The handling of the present Zimbabwean issue has disillusioned the majority of players around the world," said May.

The ICC recently said it would not intervene in the crisis in Zimbabwean cricket - it is only allowed to investigate and intervene in alleged misconduct of players.

Zimbabwe captain Tatenda Taibu quit recently, citing the deteriorating state of the game in the country and personal threats made against him.

Players are happy to recognise their responsibility to the game's image, but equally recognise that the game's administrators should be answerable to the same standards Players' chief Tim May

ZC bosses Peter Chingoka and Ozias Bvute have been accused of mismanagement and were questioned by police about their foreign currency earnings from match fees.

May says the governing body's member countries should allow a constitutional change to enable it to look into the affairs of individual cricket boards.

"As the game's trustee, the ICC should be charged with maintaining appropriate standards from both players and administration," added May.

"Players, particularly in Zimbabwe, will find it difficult to fully accept [ICC chief executive] Malcolm Speed's call when the ICC has not seen the need to intervene, or been able to investigate, serious allegations about the game's administration.

"In an environment where players have been subject to threats of physical and other forms of intimidation, public criticism of their on-field behaviour will have a hollow ring.

"Players are only too happy to recognise their responsibility to the game's image, but equally recognise that the game's administrators should be answerable to the same standards."