Ponting, Lee play down ‘war of words’ ahead of Test

PERTH – Australian skipper Ricky Ponting yesterday rejected the notion of a “war of words” with South Africa in the lead-up to Fridays Test opener while speedster Brett Lee said he’d rather let his bowling do the talking.

“Banter is part of our game and so far the build up to this Test series looks like it is going to be pretty intense. But it has just been some pretty light-hearted banter,” Ponting said.”Our on-field record speaks for itself over the last couple of years and we’ll make sure when we go into the game on Friday that we’re upholding the spirit of the game as best as we possibly can.”The International Cricket Council, the sports governing body, issued a statement on Monday warning both Australian and South African players about their comments.”There have also been a series of comments by players and former players ahead of the Australia v South Africa series that I believe make it necessary to remind the players of the importance of playing within the spirit of the game ahead of this series,” ICC chief executive said in the statement.So far South African captain Graeme Smith has criticised Australians middle-order batting while Australian spinner Shane Warne mockingly said the tourists might need a psychologist by the time the Australians had finished with them.The ICC statement drew scathing criticism from former Australian fast bowlers Jeff Thomson and Terry Alderman who accused the body of trying to sanitise the sport and turn players into robots.But while current quick Lee may send the odd beam ball sizzling towards nervous batsmen these days, it seemed he was taking particular care about how he aimed his words on Tuesday.”Id rather let the bowling do the talking and enjoy my cricket,” he said.”I always enjoy playing against South Africa.They’re always a really good bunch of guys to play against.”As far as any sledging or gamesmanship goes Id much rather let the bowling do the talking.”Ponting said the Australian players knew the limits and would not cross them.”I’m pretty comfortable with what’s happened so far in the press,” he said.”I think the players are all aware of it, as long as the players are aware of what they’re doing, or what they’re saying, then we should be fine.”All the Australian players certainly know where the line in the sand is drawn …” Both Ponting and Lee said Australia would have to readjust quickly, not just to Test cricket but to the bouncy WACA (Western Australian Cricket Association) wicket after arriving in Perth from New Zealand where they defeated the home nation 2-1 in a one-day series.”The biggest challenge for us is going to be the changing conditions, not so much the changing the game,” Ponting said.”So we’ve got three big practice days hopefully to get used to the conditions and come Friday I’m sure we’ll be fine.”Lee said the WACA wicket was great for fast bowlers but they needed to be aware of its subtleties.-Nampa-AFPBut it has just been some pretty light-hearted banter,” Ponting said.”Our on-field record speaks for itself over the last couple of years and we’ll make sure when we go into the game on Friday that we’re upholding the spirit of the game as best as we possibly can.”The International Cricket Council, the sports governing body, issued a statement on Monday warning both Australian and South African players about their comments.”There have also been a series of comments by players and former players ahead of the Australia v South Africa series that I believe make it necessary to remind the players of the importance of playing within the spirit of the game ahead of this series,” ICC chief executive said in the statement.So far South African captain Graeme Smith has criticised Australians middle-order batting while Australian spinner Shane Warne mockingly said the tourists might need a psychologist by the time the Australians had finished with them.The ICC statement drew scathing criticism from former Australian fast bowlers Jeff Thomson and Terry Alderman who accused the body of trying to sanitise the sport and turn players into robots.But while current quick Lee may send the odd beam ball sizzling towards nervous batsmen these days, it seemed he was taking particular care about how he aimed his words on Tuesday.”Id rather let the bowling do the talking and enjoy my cricket,” he said.”I always enjoy playing against South Africa.They’re always a really good bunch of guys to play against.”As far as any sledging or gamesmanship goes Id much rather let the bowling do the talking.”Ponting said the Australian players knew the limits and would not cross them.”I’m pretty comfortable with what’s happened so far in the press,” he said.”I think the players are all aware of it, as long as the players are aware of what they’re doing, or what they’re saying, then we should be fine.”All the Australian players certainly know where the line in the sand is drawn …” Both Ponting and Lee said Australia would have to readjust quickly, not just to Test cricket but to the bouncy WACA (Western Australian Cricket Association) wicket after arriving in Perth from New Zealand where they defeated the home nation 2-1 in a one-day series.”The biggest challenge for us is going to be the changing conditions, not so much the changing the game,” Ponting said.”So we’ve got three big practice days hopefully to get used to the conditions and come Friday I’m sure we’ll be fine.”Lee said the WACA wicket was great for fast bowlers but they needed to be aware of its subtleties.-Nampa-AFP