Waugh said the recommendations by an MCC committee, which would see offending sides docked five runs for intimidating or insulting batsmen, were ``pretty stupid'' and hoped they would not be enforced.

``They don't even dock runs for missing overs. Why do it for so-called sledging, which is open to interpretation,'' he said. ``It's always been up to the captain and players to do the right thing on a field. Sometimes you're going to overstep the boundaries, but that's happened for 200 years.''

``I don't see (the law) happening. I mean, it could affect a Test match.''

Media reports say the proposals could come into force next year. It would be first time umpires had the authority to mete out on-the-spot penalties. Under existing rules, players can be fined or suspended but without affecting the score.

The committee included leading umpires Steve Bucknor of theWest Indies and Nigel Plews of England, besides former Test cricketers Bob Simpson of Australia and Clyde Walcott of the West Indies.

A five-run penalty would also be imposed if a bowler deliberately scuffed the pitch to help spinners or if a fielder tried to obstruct the batsman running between the wickets.

McGrath, who ran foul of umpires for spitting near an opponent on the recent tour of West Indies, said: ``If they want to turn the game into a sport full of robots and really kill it, maybe that is what they'd want to do.''

McGrath even argued fans and television viewers enjoyed sledging. ``With the technology these days, that's what people love to see... That's why the cameras get right in your face,'' he said.

Aussie Boon to protect Scots

Scotland, who make their World Cup debut against Australia next Sunday, are taking specialist advice -- on how to handle sledging.

The Scots have roped in former Australian Test star David Boon, who plays county cricket for Durham, to advisethem on how to tackle verbal taunts, for which the Aussies are renowned.

Coach Jim Love saw Boon unsettle opening bowler John Blain with a few choice words in a practice match on Saturday and asked him to speak about it.