Marc Leishman has ramped up the Presidents Cup banter by calling Patrick Reed’s behaviour in America this week “pretty ordinary” and suggesting the crowd may bait him at Royal Melbourne next week.

Reed is at the centre of a rules storm after he appeared to brush sand away from the back of his ball in a waste area during the Hero World Challenge, where most of the American players coming to Australia next week are playing.

He was assessed a two-shot penalty afterwards, but has said since that his brushing of sand was unintentional.

Asked for a view of the incident following his round at the Australian Open, Leishman said: “I did see it, and it was pretty ordinary. That’s all I’ve got to say about that.’’

Leishman was then asked if he thought the crowds would get on Reed’s back in Melbourne, and he said that they may. One reporter suggested to him that the fans may bring shovels to the course.

“There’s opportunities there, put it that way. Maybe not shovels, but he’s definitely opened the door there, that he’s brought on himself.’’

Leishman has said before that the International team want the crowd at Royal Melbourne to be more vocal in their support than they have been at previous Presidents Cups. The Victorian, one of three Australians on the International team, said he expected the crowd to engage.

“As long as it’s not disrespectful, I think. You never want to cross the line, but I think there’s some pretty good ‘ammo’ there isn’t there.”