MUMBAI, India - Michael Slater's behaviour during the first cricket Test against India was "over the top" and wrong according to Australian captain Steve Waugh.

Slater was warned by match referee Cammie Smith after verbally abusing Indian No.3 batsman Rahul Dravid, who refused to walk after Slater claimed to have taken a fair catch millimetres off the grass.

The umpires sent the decision to the TV replay and the inconclusive picture meant the doubt went the way of the batsman.

Slater was furious that Dravid hadn't taken his word on the catch and told him so from close range.

Waugh said Slater was out of line but that something had to be done about the use of technology in those situations.

"He was over the top but he was fired up in the emotion of the whole thing," Waugh said.

"If Slats had his time over again he would probably do it differently.

"It probably didn't look too good and it wasn't the right thing to do - we'll admit that.

"From Slats' point of view, he thought he took the catch and he'd like the batsman to take his word on it.

"But that hasn't really happened in world cricket this year."

Waugh conceded the Australian team had been trend setters in staying at the crease until the television replay came up with a decision.

"To be fair we've had three decisions go our way in the Australian season and the technology's just not up to it - the third umpire can't tell whether it's out of not.

"That's where the problem lies."

© 2001 AAP