Brisbane: England skipper Alastair Cook slammed David Warner as disrespectful in a sour aftermath to a simmering Ashes opener won by Australia with a day to spare at the Gabba today.
Australia's huge 381-run victory was tarnished by constant sledging between the players and in one instance finger pointing by Australia captain Michael Clarke to England fast bowler James Anderson.
Cook took exception at comments Australian opening batsman Warner had made the previous day at his media conference when he said England were frightened and singled out batsman Jonathan Trott.
"It does look like they've got scared eyes at the moment. The way that Trotty (Jonathan Trott) got out today was pretty poor and weak. Obviously there's a weakness there and we're on top of it at the moment," Warner told reporters.
Cook said Warner had been disrespectful in his comments.
"I think for any professional cricketer, really, yeah," the England skipper said.
"On the pitch it's pretty much a war, isn't it anyway? So there's always going to be a few words on the pitch. I think that's the way people want to watch cricket being played. Tough, hard cricket. On the pitch is fine."
Asked if the rival teams hated each other, Cook said: "I think when you play each other for quite a few games in a row, the niggles can increase. It's competitive cricket."
England and Australia are playing 10 Ashes Tests compressed into in seven months.
Counterpart Clarke said when asked if Australia have over-stepped the bounds of acceptability through their on-field actions: "Not that I've seen through my career.
"I think I've heard a lot worse said on a cricket field than what any of the Australian players or the England players have said throughout this Test match."Clarke continued: "It's because both teams want to win so badly. I think we all respect the game, the traditions, the history.. Australia versus England has always been competitive no matter which team has won.
"I think that's great for the game. I certainly understand and respect that there's a line and both teams shouldn't over-step that line and I hope that hasn't been the case through this Test match but I think the rivalry and the banter on the field, it's give and take both ways.
"I think there's plenty that you don't overhear on stumps mike. They are meant to stay on the field, part and pacel of the game."
Clarke said there was no personal animosities among both sets of players.
"There is not one English player that anyone has a personal vendetta with or anyone disrespects as a cricketer," he said.
"It's about trying to help your team have success, pushing the line and not over-stepping it and trying to play your best cricket."
"Every player is so different that you need to work out what works best for the individual player, what makes them tick and get them to perform at your best.
"Whether it's David Warner, Shane Watson or Mitch (Johnson) they really love that competitive battle, love the opposition talking to them or having a crack back at the opposition, that's what drives them.
"I think there are plenty in the England team that feel that way too. I think Jimmy Anderson made that very clear that he likes that battle as well."
