Lehmann happy if Oz returns to 'ruthless sledging streak' of past

Australian head coach Darren Lehmann has said that he will be happy even if Australia regained the ruthless sledging streak of teams from past generations.

Ian Chappell's charges in the 1970s earned the tag "ugly Australians" from some sections of the media, while Lehmann played alongside Steve Waugh in the all-conquering Test side of the late 1990s that made 'mental disintegration' an art form.

According to News.com.au, opener David Warner formed a big part of the 'rebuilt' banter as he was among the most vocal as Australia attacked the ears of South Africa batsmen nearly as much they did the stumps on day five of the thrilling Test series decider in Cape Town.

Faf du Plessis was one of the chief targets, and Lehmann said that he had no qualms with his charges' behaviour throughout the three-Test series as they were playing a tough series against the top Test team in the world.

Lehmann also said that captain Michael Clarke 'plays hard' like Dale Steyn and the retired Graeme Smith, adding that he is happy with the way the game is played.

Cricket Australia (CA) chief James Sutherland, who laid down the law to the national team following Glenn McGrath's infamous run-in with Ramnaresh Sarwan in 2003, was unconcerned about the heat du Plessis copped, saying that it was 'childish behaviour' and he asked for that with his comments on ball tampering.