Ashes 2013-14: Something needs to be done about sledging war says Ian Chappell, who defends England's James Anderson

The former Australia captain has called on the ICC to intervene after Anderson was involved in a war of words with Australian pair George Bailey and Michael Clarke

Michael Clarke and James Anderson (Getty Images)

The Ashes sledging war has taken yet another unexpected turn. Ian Chappell, one of the most hard-nosed Australian cricketers of all time, lambasted the art as utterly unnecessary.

In typically colourful fashion, Chappell backed James Anderson, the England No 11 batsman who threatened Australian short-leg fielder George Bailey resulting in Michael Clarke’s ‘broken arm’ claim as the bitterly contested first Test at The Gabba drew to a close.

Chappell told an Australian radio station: “If the ICC don’t stop all the chatter that’s going on, the more chatter you allow the more chance that something personal will be said.

“And something personal will be said at the wrong time and you’ll have fisticuffs. I think we’re getting close to the fisticuffs.”

“I was delighted that Jimmy pulled away and went over and spoke to George Bailey,” said Chappell. “The only thing that disappointed me was that it took a No 11 to stand up for his rights.

“As a batsman you are entitled to peace and quiet out there. I tell you, mate, I would not be putting up with the crap that’s going on out there. The idea that it makes you a tough player if you’ve got plenty to say is the greatest load of b******* I’ve heard in my life.”