Warne accepts Big Bash ban
UPDATE: Shane Warne will miss the Melbourne Stars’ crucial Big Bash League clash with Sydney Thunder on Tuesday night after deciding against appealing his one-match ban.
The Stars skipper was fined $4500 and suspended for a game after being found guilty of three charges stemming from a heated exchange with Melbourne Renegades allrounder Marlon Samuels at the MCG on Sunday night.
After the penalty was handed down on Monday morning, Warne initially described it as harsh and said he would consider an appeal.
But he later backed down, saying his behaviour overstepped the mark and he would back the Stars to beat the Thunder and book a semi-final berth without him.
"I have decided to accept my penalty of a one-match ban. Let’s hope the boys can win tomorrow and we can make the semi-finals,“ Warne tweeted.
"Thanks for support guys, sport can be emotional and at times very passionate too. I went to far in trying to stand up for the team.
"Yes I went a bit to far with my emotions and passion, but was standing up for my teammate & trying to get us back in the game...
"Lastly, will take my penalty on the chin, as I was disappointed with some of my actions, in my opinion though the penalty is very harsh..
CA also charged the legspinning great for using language that is obscene, offensive or of a generally insulting nature towards another player.
The ball-throwing charge was dismissed at Warne’s hearing.
Shane Warne points his finger at Marlon Samuels. Pic: Getty Images
Warne confronted Samuels at the end of one of his overs and grabbed at the West Indian’s shirt, then swore at him and pointed angrily.
Miked up for TV, Warne could be heard saying “F**k you, Marlon!”. The comment was Warne’s response to an earlier incident when Samuels appeared to deliberately impede Stars batsman David Hussey.
Later in Samuels’ innings, Warne struck the batsman with a throw to the body which prompted Samuels to angrily throw his bat down the pitch as the umpires stepped in to restore calm.
Warne was charged with showing dissent at an umpire’s decision, engaging in inappropriate and deliberate physical contact, and throwing the ball at or near Samuels in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner.
CA also charged the legspinning great for using language that is obscene, offensive or of a generally insulting nature towards another player.
The ball-throwing charge was dismissed at Warne’s hearing.
Cameron White will captain the Stars against the Thunder in Warne’s absence while spinner Clive Rose has been called into their squad.
Samuels has been asked to explain his behaviour after hurling his bat and is also charged with making inappropriate physical contact.
However Samuels is yet to attend a hearing and is unlikely to play again this season as he is nursing a suspected fractured eye socket, having been struck by a bouncer from Stars pace bowler Lasith Malinga.
The top-placed Renegades will look to replace him with another overseas player for the rest of the tournament if he is ruled out through injury.
The Stars could also lose Malinga for the match against the Thunder.
They are in consultation with Sri Lanka officials over whether they can keep the key pace weapon for that game before releasing him to prepare with his national side for Friday’s MCG one-dayer against Australia.
White pleaded guilty to a charge of showing dissent to an umpire and was fined $1000.
Stars batsman Cameron White pleaded guilty to a charge of showing dissent to an umpire and was fined $1000.
The top-placed Renegades are considering replacing Samuels for the finals series depending on his medical condition.
“We’re now waiting for the swelling around his eye to subside before determining the full extent of the blow,” coach Simon Helmot said.
COMMENTS
