Umpire Shepherd had to separate Waugh (left) and Lara

Tempers rose on day two of the fourth Test between Australia and the West Indies when home skipper Brian Lara had angry words with his opposite number Steve Waugh.

Lara, who was walking onto the pitch to replace Devon Smith, appeared to be upset by something Australian opener Matthew Hayden said to him.

And Waugh then got involved in a heated debate with the West Indies batsman.

At one point, umpire David Shepherd saw fit to stand between the two captains to preserve the peace as the altercation threatened to turn nasty.

At close of the play, however, Australia paceman Brett Lee was quick to play down the confrontation with Lara.

There was some sort of gamesmanship, which is great Mike Procter Match referee

"This is not backyard cricket. This is tough Test cricket," he said.

"You are playing for your country and we want to win the Test match.

"When we have a chance to bowl against Lara the whole team is motivated because he is probably the best batsman in the world.

"A few words might have been said but I don't think it was anything personal."

Match referee Mike Procter was also keen to diffuse the situation.

"There was some sort of gamesmanship, which is great," he said after the close of play.

"It's what Test cricket is all about, and Dave Shepherd stepped in before it got carried away."