Darren Lehmann has no qualms about Australia regaining the ruthless sledging streak of teams from past generations.

Ian Chappell’s charges in the 1970s earned the tag “ugly Australians” from some sections of the press, while Lehmann played alongside Steve Waugh in the all-conquering Test side of the late 1990s that made “mental disintegration” an art form.

Banter is the latest rebranding and David Warner is a big fan.

Warner was among the most vocal as Australia attacked the ears of South Africa batsmen nearly as much they did the stumps on day five of the thrilling Test series decider in Cape Town.

Faf du Plessis was the chief target, having two days prior likened the Australians to a “pack of dogs” and questioned their ability to attain reverse-swing so early in the first innings.

Du Plessis was taunted about his ball-tampering charge last year and barked at, which, along with Michael Clarke’s animated interaction with Dale Steyn and some other issues, prompted a comment piece in Fairfax Media that condemned the side’s approach.

Lehmann was content with his charges’ behaviour throughout the three-Test series.

“It was always going to be a tough series against the No.1 team in the world, but it’s always been the same (hard but fair) for many years,” Lehmann said.

“Michael (Clarke) plays it hard. Dale Steyn plays it hard. Graeme Smith was outstanding for a leader for South Africa and he played it very hard.

“The way it was played … I’m really happy with that.”

Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland, who laid down the law to the national team following Glenn McGrath’s infamous run-in with Ramnaresh Sarwan in 2003, was unconcerned about the heat du Plessis copped.

“That’s just typical childish cricketers. But he asked for that with his comments a few days earlier,” Sutherland told radio station 3AW.

“Some people might not see the humour in that (barking) but I did.”

Warner, who belted 543 runs in the three-Test series, suggested he thrived on words whether batting or fielding.

“I like it when the skipper put me in close,” man of the series Warner said.

“(While batting) I love it when they start giving me a little bit of banter.”

Clarke apologised for his heated exchanged with Steyn.