Tri-Nations: England batsman Joe Root says 'players must respect each other'

England batsman Joe Root says it is important that players respect each other but accepts that it is up to the sport’s governing body, the ICC, to address the issue of bad behaviour on the field of play.

Root was responding to the ICC's decision to fine Australian David Warner who was involved in an on-field dispute with Indian batsman Rohit Sharma during Sunday's ODI in Melbourne.

Warner has a history of bad discipline and is known to be a frequent sledger and, two years ago, was sent home from the 2013 Champions Trophy in England for punching Root in a Birmingham bar.

Asked about the current behaviour of international cricketers on the world stage, Root said: "It seems there are a lot of people who are not happy with the way players are holding themselves on the field.

Live One-Day International Cricket

"When you're out there your job is to score runs or take wickets and if your focus is elsewhere then you're not doing your best for the team.

“You just instinctively know where the line is. It's about showing respect for each other.

"You try to make sure you have respect for the opposition but still play to win and play hard cricket. That's how we want it to be played.

“You know where the line is generally and as long as you don't cross it that's what it's all about. I'm sure the ICC will handle it, it's up to them to sort it out."

You know where the line is generally and as long as you don't cross it that's what it's all about.

But Root does not expect the current issues to over spill into physical violence, by adding: “There have been a few things that have happened over the last few months that haven't been good for the game but I can't see it leading to a punch-up. It's not ice hockey.

"I can't see it to be honest. Someone will have to be in a really bad place to do that. For me it should only be about scoring runs and taking wickets."