Bangalore: International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Chris Broad has spoken to representatives of both the Indian and Australian teams and advised them to avoid making inappropriate public comments during the four-match Test series that started here Thursday.

Broad has warned both teams that such comments could result in a code of conduct charge being laid against the individual responsible.

Broad made his remarks to both captains, coaches and team management during the scheduled pre-series meetings ahead of the first of four Test matches.

The India-Australia rivalry turned acrimonious in the last series Down Under as players from both sides exchanged verbal duels on and off the field.

ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: "The whole world has been waiting for this series with great expectations and we all want it to be remembered for all the right reasons, because of great cricket.

"There has been a long build-up to the series but now it is time for the cricket on the field to do the talking as a demonstration that Test cricket remains the pinnacle of our great game."