Cricket: Clarke defends 'broken arm' sledge

Michael Clarke of Australia and James Anderson of England exchange words. Photo / Getty Images

They say familiarity breeds contempt.

Yet Australian captain Michael Clarke insists his side's animosity towards arch rivals England in the first Ashes test in Brisbane has nothing to do with the fact the two sides are contesting back-to-back series this year.

The usually mild mannered Clarke was heard on stump cam telling serial niggler James Anderson to "get ready for a broken f***ing arm'' at the crease before Australia claimed a stunning 381-run test victory on Sunday at the Gabba.

However, Clarke believed it was just their competitive natures taking hold - not Australia's bitterness over England's 3-0 win sealed last August that clinched three straight Ashes series victories.

"I think it is because both teams want to win so badly,'' Clarke said of the extraordinary first test niggle at the Gabba.

"I respect that there is a line and both teams shouldn't overstep that line.

"I think the rivalry and the banter on the field, it is give and take both ways. It is not one team dictating the other.

"It is about when you have momentum, run with it for as long as you possibly can.

"And when you don't, fight your backside off to try and get it back.

"In this test match, we have grabbed the moment and tried to run with it for as long as possible.''

Still, Australia raised eyebrows with their conduct during the fourth day's play of the Ashes opener.

No shrinking violet, Anderson still appeared upset when he felt the full brunt of Australia's Ashes frustration via test debutant George Bailey's jibes at short leg once he took the crease late on Sunday.

Umpires intervened but it failed to stop the floodgates opening with Clarke taking Anderson to task not once but twice late on day four as the mind games kicked in.

In the end, Clarke felt Australia had shown they were up for an Ashes fight this summer against England.

"For someone like Davey Warner or Mitch Johnson or Watto (Shane Watson), they really love that competitive battle,'' Clarke said.

"The opposition talking to them or having a crack back at the opposition - that is what drives them.

"I think Jimmy Anderson has made it clear that he likes that battle as well.

"Fortunately for us, we have had a bit of success in this test match but, come day one at Adelaide (in the second test), it means nothing.

"We know it is going to be tough cricket.''

- AAP