The clash between Australia's Glenn McGrath and West Indies batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan during the fourth Test was an "ugly incident" which sent a poor message to fans, Australian cricket chief James Sutherland said on Tuesday.

"I'm not so much concerned about what may have been said on the field as to the message that it sends back to the cricket-viewing public," the Australian Cricket Board chief executive told reporters at the ACB office.

"It's certainly an ugly incident."

Australia fast bowler McGrath was involved in a heated finger-pointing exchange with Sarwan who made 105 as the home side reached 371 for six in the fourth Test at Antigua on Monday.

Sutherland said he had spoken to Australia captain Steve Waugh overnight to tell him of the team's responsibilities as ambassadors for Australia and the game of cricket.

"Steve certainly agrees that the team itself needs to be able to cope with situations when things aren't going their way," Sutherland said.

"That's when the real test is on. If you can't carry yourself in the right fashion in the true spirit of the game at those times then perhaps you need to have a good look at yourself.

"I'm disappointed in what I saw on television this morning."

West Indies will resume on Tuesday for the final day's play requiring just 47 runs to win a heated match which has also included their captain Brian Lara clashing with opponents. Australia lead the four-match series 3-0.

Australian media reports said Sarwan had made a personal comment to McGrath which upset the 33-year-old fast bowler.

"The critical issue is the message that this sends in a more general sense and it's not the only incident during the course of this match that players wouldn't be proud of," Sutherland said.

The International Cricket Council through their umpires and match referee are in a position to take disciplinary action if required and it was not a matter for the ACB, Sutherland said.