With dominance comes leadership - if a game is to retain its soul

If something positive can come out of the 'Lehmann' incident for the Australian side it is that they will think more about their conduct and behaviour on the field.

As a result of what occurred Ricky Ponting said his team have had a chat about the way they act on the field.

Australian are the World Champions of cricket but a champion side is defined not only by its results but by the way it conducts itself as well. And in the latter, could Australia say it's the world's best?

While the performances of the Australian side cannot be questioned, there have been murmurs about the way they play the game.

The integrity of cricket is at stake every time it is played. The players have to appreciate that they are the custodians of their sport.

In no other game is the person out only if the other side first asks for it. In no other sport can a player be recalled. The players have the power to over-rule the umpire. It's a responsibility they shouldn't treat lightly.

No doubt the Australians play the game hard. But do they respect their opponents and their right to do so as well?

Not if you weigh up the empirical and anecdotal evidence. Australian players stand their ground even if they had edged the ball and then like to give their opponents a mouthful if they do the same.

Michael Slater's wonderful career will forever be tarnished by his loss of control in India. The problem wasn't the way he carried on but that he said anything at all after himself being the beneficiary of third umpire's decision only a few months earlier.

Glenn McGrath found himself in the bad books a couple of seasons back when he gave Sachin Tendulkar quite a send off after him dismissing him lbw. The fact that it was a very dubious decision did not seem to bother McGrath.

Shane Watson has taken 18 one day wickets at 34, with an economy rate of 4.62. Not exactly the greatest figures. But yet he feels compelled to tell one of the greatest one-day batsmen of all time, Sanath Jayasuria where to go when he bowls him for 122.

This isn't respect for one's colleagues. And it's hardly the type of behaviour which should be done especially when thousands of children will copy it when they next go out to play.

Playing the game tough but fair shouldn't be mutually exclusive. The attitude shouldn't be, 'it's international cricket so anything goes. And if you can't withstand that, you obviously aren't good enough.' Since when did cricket became rock and roll wrestling?

The blame for poor player behaviour should not be solely levelled at Australia. The recent South Africa - Sri Lanka series rates as one of the worse in terms of conduct.

All sides have been guilty of misdemeanours, but like being the eldest child, more is expected of the Australian players and of Australian cricket.