Australia captain Ricky Ponting has dismissed fears that the Test series with South Africa could be tarnished by sledging between the rival players. The International Cricket Council is so concerned, it warned the teams about their conduct ahead of the first of three Tests in Perth on Friday.
But Ponting said: "Banter is part of our game and the build-up to this series looks like it will be intense.
"But it has just been some pretty lighthearted banter."
South Africa captain Graeme Smith accused the Australians of losing their edge following the Ashes defeat, prompting Shane Warne to respond with a warning of his own.
 |  Our on-field record speaks for itself over the last couple of years |
Told that the tourists would be employing a psychologist, the combative leg-spinner remarked: "They will need one after we've finished with them."
Ponting believes that kind of talk is part and parcel of Test cricket and said: "I'm pretty comfortable with what's happened so far in the press, which is all that we can go on.
"Our on-field record speaks for itself over the last couple of years and we'll make sure we're upholding the spirit of the game as best as we possibly can."
And the South African Cricketers' Association has hit out at the ICC, saying the warning to the teams is "unwarranted and demeaning to the players".
Chief executive Tony Irish said: "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.
"Australian players have done likewise. I am amazed that the ICC sees fit to warn players.
"Everyone is looking forward to the heat of the rivalry which accompanies a series between South Africa and Australia. The verbal exchanges are a part of this and they simply add to the build up."
MMIX
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