Aussies needed taste of their own medicine, says Ranatunga

Sri Lanka cricket chief Arjuna Ranatunga was amused to see the boot on the other foot after Australia complained about the on-field behaviour of the Indian team.

Sledging has become a hot topic in world cricket since the row which erupted after India spinner Harbhajan Singh was found to have racially abusing Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds in the Sydney Test this month.

The actions of the Australians have also come under scrutiny in the wake of the incident with criticism levelled at them for their over-competitiveness and aggression.

Former Sri Lanka skipper Ranatunga was no stranger to the acid tongues of the Australians in his playing days and, while he took some pleasure from seeing their barbs returned in kind, he believes it is time for the International Cricket Council to step in.

"I think this is the first time after I gave it back, that Australia is now being paid back with their own coin," Ranatunga told Sri Lankan newspaper The Island. "Now, even Australia is complaining.

"I think it's important for the administrators to clean up the game. I think they should stop shouting and sledging on the field.

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