Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has explained the meaning behind the controversial ‘elite honesty’ slogan seen in the locker rooms during the One Day clash with South Africa.
The Aussies have been criticised for both the slogan itself and allowing it to enter the public domain, but Starc said it was now one of the pillars of the team.
“For us, it’s being honest to one another,” Starc told SEN Breakfast.
“It’s being honest to the guys and the complete truth of what you’re giving for the team and the elite honesty there is being completely honest with everyone in the group.
“That’s one of our pillars now.”
Starc said the players are very clear as to where the line in the sand is when it comes to trash talk.
“The best way to put it is, there’s a big difference between banter and abuse,” he said.
“There’s always going to be a bit of banter. There’s plenty of banter off the field with our guys and I guess for me, I’ve never really been a big one on sledging.
“There are times where you go out and have a bit of a niggle and you’re playing against opposition a lot these days, whether it’s a five-match series, or you’re playing with them in the IPL, or in county cricket, you know the opposition a lot more these days.
“I think when the umpires try to get involved a fair bit, it’s usually just harmless banter and they’re just trying to get involved and make it more than it is.
“We know where the line is. For me, it’s trying to create a presence there, but I don’t generally say too much as a bowler.
“You’ve got to know where the line is and not overstep it. Look, the Australian cricket is still going to play aggressive cricket, but you’ve got to know where the line is.”
Listen to Mitchell Starc's chat with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson on SEN Breakfast in the player below