In the interview with Radio Times, Agnew recalls the eulogy Michael Clarke delivered at Hughes' funeral service in which he said: "Phillip's spirit, which is now part of our game forever, will act as a custodian of the sport we all love."
Agnew said he was disappointed with sledging that occurred during Australia's home Test series win over India, which was also reminiscent of the aggressive sledging during Australia's Ashes win over England last summer.
"It's all you hear on a cricket field - 'Knock his head off, knock his head off," he said.
"Cricket has gone too far. It shouldn't be posturing, abusing. I know there has been a lot of bad blood between Australia and India for some years now, but it was an opportunity. I have that Michael Clarke speech tucked away ready to throw at the Australians. If this is really how you feel, then let's see how you play."
Agnew said players had missed a chance to take something positive from Hughes death and the "in-your-face nastiness" was not acceptable.
"The bouncer shouldn't be banned. Hitting batsmen, I'm afraid, is part of the game," he said. "But it's the histrionics, the nonsense, the prancing, the in-your-face nastiness. It's become accepted, and actually it's not acceptable at all.
"The comments Michael Clarke made, I thought, summed up how people felt at the time about the way that cricket should be played. The onus is on Australia to lead the way, and for others to grasp the opportunity … we owe it to Phillip Hughes."
