Warne urges Oz cricketers to "get really nasty", bring back sledging for Ashes success

Melbourne, Aug 2 (ANI): One of the greatest exponents of spin bowling, Shane Warne, has urged Australian cricketers to bring back the sledge and rediscover their nasty streak before England emerge as a stronger opponent.

Warne pleaded with fast bowlers Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle to "get really nasty" after Australia were forced into a corner in the third Test at Edgbaston.

After England quicks James Anderson and Graham Onions had bowled with hostility, Warne claimed that Australian fast bowlers had lost their aggressive edge.

"I think the Australians are lacking a bit of aggression, a bit of in your face, a snarl, some nasty stuff. I just want to see them get a bit more aggressive, it's all a bit too friendly. They don't seem to want to be saying anything to the batsmen, getting in their face or pumping their chests out," FOX Sports quoted Warne, as saying.

"Australian teams play at their best when they are in the face of their opposition. When Peter Siddle is at his best he has got that snarl but I haven't really seen that from him. It's just weird to me. The best way for Mitchell Johnson to find his confidence is to get really nasty," Warne added.

He questioned whether Australia's mild-mannered Ashes behaviour was in response to Cricket Australia's pre-tour warning to players they should not spit, swear or claim dropped catches.

"I did read some reports from Cricket Australia saying that we don't want any sledging, we want to play in the right spirit, all those sorts of things," Warne said. "Maybe they are worried about the repercussions." (ANI)