Akram on Warner, Starc and Johnson

Pakistan pace legend Wasim Akram says too much has been made of David Warner’s recent sledging saga and has backed the under-fire batsman to continue his aggressive approach.

Speaking in Hobart at the opening of Blundstone Arena’s new Ricky Ponting and David Boon stands, Akram said Warner’s spat with India’s Rohit Sharma has been blown out of proportion.

"I’ve been watching (the) television for the three-four days, the programs on David Warner, and he’s a character, and that’s what David Warner’s all about,” Akram said.

"If he’s giving someone a little bit (sledge) here and there I’m fine with that.

"That’s the beauty of the sport.

"I think we are making too much from nothing. That’s the problem here.

"As a bowler I did that to all the batsmen. Australia did it to us, we did it to them.

"Afterwards we were just friends."

Quick Single: Finch backs Warner over sledging

Warner and Sharma came together in a heated altercation in Australia’s second Carlton Mid ODI Tri-Series match in Melbourne.

The Australian believed Sharma had taken an extra run from deflected overthrow, lashing out with a verbal barrage towards the batsman.

Warner was fined 50 per cent of his match fee over the ugly feud, and has since admitted he was in the wrong.

Despite Warner’s outburst, his teammates have backed him – and Australia – to continue their confrontational, aggressive brand of cricket.

"We have a clear message of where it’s all at,” said Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.

"We know the brand of cricket we want to play, and Davey is no different than all of us.

"We’re out there to compete. The umpires are out there to do their job and they’ll adjudicate on anything they see that’s unfit and not in the spirit of the game.

"Every team I’ve played in respects the game and respects the opposition.

"We’re pretty comfortable with the way we’re playing."