By Justin Langer Former Australia Test batsman, current Somerset captain

After the last Test match at Trent Bridge, England coach Peter Moores suggested the stump microphones should be turned off during the course of play.

He said: "There must be some things that are left on the field to be fair to the players. They should be allowed to go out there and play the game without being worried that everything they actually say is going to be broadcast."

Santh (left) and Vaughan exchanged words at Trent Bridge

Having been a part of this discussion many times before, I believe Moores was absolutely spot on with his assessment of the stump microphones.

On the one hand, I can understand the public's desire to be involved in the contest, and therefore the television companies wish to present as much as possible to their audiences.

But, on the other, I feel such interaction is a two-edged sword. We are all trying to promote the game in the best possible light, in order to attract kids to the game.

And therefore if there is anything unsavoury happening in the middle then I believe that is where it should be left; on the field.

Let's make no bones about it: Test cricket can be a fierce affair.

Cricket is a non-contact sport so in the heat of the moment words are often exchanged between different players. This is part of the contest. Players are passionate and emotional and at times this turns into a battle of wits and words.

Pietersen (left) and Khan discussed a broad range of issues

Is this a bad thing? I don't think so.

Throughout my career it has been very rare for these exchanges, or sledging, to become personal.

In most cases, players understand that there is a line that shouldn't be crossed in terms of what is said on the field. There is no doubt there is always plenty of banter but in reality that is all it is.

Sledging has almost taken on a mystical trademark over the years and I am often amused when the word comes up as part of cricket folklore.

The game wouldn't be the same if everyone was silent on the field.

I would be concerned if my team, no matter what colour cap we are wearing, were quiet throughout the course of a day's play.

Sticks and stones...and jelly beans

I would see this as a sign of disinterest or lack of the competitive edge that the best teams tend to display.

As a batsman I want to be tested mentally, as well as technically, by the opposition, and if that means eliminating the distraction of a few choice words then so be it.

It would be a sad day when the emotion of a contest was taken away from the game.

There is ample policing of the spirit of cricket and the players know they would be foolish to take anything too far.

In this day and age every move is caught on camera, leaving little to the viewer's imagination, so I am not sure it is that much to ask to give them some freedom by turning off the stump microphones.

Let the players go about their business of playing the best brand of cricket possible for their countries and let's retain some of the mystique that surrounds what "actually" goes on out on the field.