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CARDIFF. – Australia captain Michael Clarke has insisted his side will play “hard but fair” cricket as they try to win their first away Ashes series in 14 years.

In the run-up to the first Test in Cardiff starting today there has been much discussion about ‘sledging’ or verbal abuse of opponents, which the International Cricket Council – having started a crackdown at this year’s World Cup – wants eliminated from the game.

Clarke himself was at the centre of controversy during Australia’s 5-0 rout of England on home soil in 2013/14 when he told England tail ender James Anderson to “get ready for a broken fucking arm”.

But Clarke, speaking ahead of the first Test, insisted he and his side knew where the limits were.

“I think everyone knows where the line is,” he said.

“You definitely need to respect the laws of the game, you can play hard but play fair.

“You don’t have to ‘sledge’ to play tough cricket.

“I’ve made it very clear throughout my whole captaincy that I don’t want anyone to overstep the line.

“In the last Ashes series if anyone overstepped it, it was me so I have to make sure I set my standard and have the discipline to stay there as well which I know I will.” – AFP.