Australia's bowling coach David Saker wants his team to let their cricket do the talking against England this summer.
England land in Australia next week, while the Ashes don't start until November 23, but already the vexed topic of sledging has reared its head.
Vice-captain David Warner last week called on teammates to find their inner "hatred" of England and forecast a more antagonistic approach, while coach Darren Lehmann noted "I'm sure our boys will give as good as they get".
Saker, who was England's bowling coach during their most recent visit to Australia, cautioned Steve Smith's side against getting too loud and/or lippy during the upcoming five-Test series.
"We've been guilty of probably getting ahead of ourselves on the field a few times, not respecting the game as much as we should," Saker told radio station SEN.
"We need to just think about playing our cricket the best possible way, let the cricket do the talking. Not our mouths so much.
"But we've got players in our team who do like to have a chat.
"You just have to make sure you're saying the right things and more importantly doing it with bat and ball."
Matthew Wade, who is under pressure to retain his place in the XI, is among Australia's most vocal players.
Australia's Test tour of India earlier this year was marred by a series of send-offs and heated run-ins.
The recent limited-overs tour of India, during which Saker was head coach, was generally more cordial.
"When you're out in the middle some things probably go over the top," Saker said.
"As a rule the Australian team can be a bit too (inclined to play) that way."
Saker coached the likes of Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson during his stint with England but will now play a key role mentoring Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins this summer.
"We've just got their measure at the moment. I think our bowlers are better than theirs," the Victorian said, when asked about the Ashes.
"We definitely won't be taking them lightly."
Share
