Cricket Australia (CA), the national ruling body, issued a statement last week warning players they could face life bans if they breach a new code of conduct outlawing on-field sledging.

Steve Waugh's side has thrived on getting a psychological advantage over opponents with some on-field chat, which the captain has described as a policy of "mental disintegration".

"It's obviously disappointing. There have been some incidents over the last 12 months that have really heightened that," Lehmann told reporters in Perth ahead of the first test.

"You look at (incidents involving) Glenn McGrath, myself and Matthew Hayden just to name a few. We've certainly got to pick up in that area and we know that."

Lehmann was suspended for five one-day internationals after a racist outburst during a match against Sri Lanka in Brisbane on January 15.

The batsman became the first player to be suspended worldwide for being found guilty of breaching the International Cricket Council's (ICC) strict code of conduct rules on racial vilification.

Fast bowler McGrath's finger-pointing exchange with West Indies batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan in May this year attracted criticism from ICC president Malcolm Gray and CA chief executive James Sutherland who called it an "ugly incident".

MOTIVATION

Australia are expected to have little trouble sweeping the series 2-0 against ninth-ranked Zimbabwe like they did with 10th-ranked Bangladesh in July.

But Lehmann, who has played just 14 Tests since making his debut against India six years ago, says Australia will have plenty of motivation for the series.

"You've got to make runs every Test match and that's the great thing and that's why we're strong at the moment," he said. "If you miss out for a couple then the pressure's on again."

Lehmann hit 110 and 177 in two home Tests against Bangladesh after scoring his maiden century (160) at the age of 33 in the second Test against West Indies in Port of Spain in April.