India captain Anil Kumble on Tuesday confirmed that the Indian team will try it's best to refrain from sledging in the three-Test series against South Africa, beginning on Wednesday.
The International Cricket Council has taken the matter seriously after the BCCI last week asked the governing body to take tough action against unsporting behaviour on the field following India's controversial tour of Australia.
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"I did receive a letter from the ICC. But I think we are all capable and responsible enough to understand where the line is and I am sure cricket will be played in the right spirit here," Kumble said in Chennai ahead of the first Test.
South Africa's wicketkeeper Mark Boucher had said on Monday that it would be impossible to completely eradicate sledging from cricket.
"You talk about sledging, I don't think that is ever going to completely leave the game. You have got two very competitive sides playing for their country it is always going to be there," Boucher said.
However, both were clear that their teams would be well within their limits and try not to cross the line.
"I think everybody understands that is always to have a healthy banter on the field and whatever happens on the field remains on the field. I think we are all matured enough to understand that and understand how cricket is played.
"I am sure my team mates understand that and we will definitely play in that way in the series and in the future series as well," Kumble clarified.
The Indian captain said there had to be agreement on catches between the two teams.
"We still haven't had the referee's meeting but I think we will go with what the ICC rules says," Kumble said.
Boucher believes that following the India's tour of Australia, the match referees would be extra careful and would not take it lightly if the players got involved in any altercations.
"Look you should not overstep the mark. The match referees are going to look to make an example of things if you overstep the mark, especially with all the hype coming from the India-Australia series."
However, the South African doesn't want his team just to shut shop.
"Players will have to do things in a clever way to get that extra advantage but you don't want to lose this because it will take away the competitive streak."
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