Australia's cricketers have been labelled bad sports for their unruly behaviour in Tuesday's fourth Test loss to West Indies.

While much credit was given to the host's world record run-chase of 418, the Australian media focussed on the row between Glenn McGrath and Ramnaresh Sarwan.

The Sydney Morning Herald's cricket writer Peter Roebuck said the verbal exchange and McGrath's finger-pointing had sullied the match and the game's image.

"Regardless of the result, the Australians have done nothing to enhance their reputations as sportsmen," Roebuck wrote in Wednesday's paper. "If victory cannot be achieved without recourse to the sort of antagonism seen in Antigua then it is not worth bothering about. Cricket searched for a champion team and found only an unscrupulous aggressor."

Roebuck's sentiments were echoed by The Australian's columnist Patrick Smith who said the incident was an embarrassment to Australian officials at a time when they have promised to clean up the game.

"The line between belligerence and hostility is a fine one ... Australian cricket has been at fault for allowing their players to hang about the line for so long. Australian administrators have tolerated their cricketers' boorishness because they have been the dominant team throughout the world and success generates interest and income."

Sydney's Daily Telegraph columnist Mike Gibson criticised match referee Mike Proctor for not taking stronger action against McGrath when he began waving his finger at umpire David Shepherd.

Under the headline 'Aussies are out of control', Gibson wrote: "Instead of making McGrath aware that his behaviour was unacceptable and would not be tolerated, he allowed the umpire to be humiliated by a player who had lost control. The lily-livered reaction of those in charge has made a laughing stock of the game."

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What do you think about the story? Read what others have to say: Number of User Comments: 31 Sub: One Year Suspension for the Aussies Aussies have been known for their unsportsmanlike conduct even from the days of Richie Benaud (remember the incidents of that series vs Frank Worrell's team?)However ... Posted by Peri Balakrishnan Sub: dalmiya can do it so far we 've seen dalmiya make the icc dance to his tunes.if the aussies are to learn a lesson on good manners ,then dalmiya ... Posted by jeswant Sub: procter should be suspended The match refree for the fourth test match Mr.Mike procter should be suspended by the ICC. did not take any action against Mcgrath or sarwan ... Posted by abhinav Sub: aussie crickters behaviour not like gentlemen aussie cricketers are always the same,they never appreciate the gentleman spirit of the game, they do what they think is right i saw the incident ... Posted by ajay Sub: double standard if excessive appealing cause for suspended ban on sehwag, the what punishment should be given to mcgrath, and steve waugh. Posted by satish