Behave better: Aus PM to Ponting

8220;But I think the nation would expect of us in the political sphere to be more civil towards one another in the future. With the history of the game of cricket, I think people would like a bit more civility as well,8221; he was quoted as saying by The Australian.

Rudd was reacting to captain Ricky Ponting8217;s reply to Australian governor-general Michael Jeffery that unlike 1950s cricket was not mere a sport but had turned fully professional and players tend to lose tempers under pressure.

Jeffery had called for a return to 8220;fundamental courtesies and good manners8221; in the game.

8220;I think the governor-general8217;s perfectly entitled to express his point of view and on the question of civility in the game, I think that all your listeners would like there to be greater civility in the game generally.

8220;It8217;s a tough and competitive business but you can conduct it with a bit of civility,8221; he added.