Sydney: Shane Warne has claimed that Jimmy Anderson prompted Michael Clarke's shocking 'broken arm' sledge by telling George Bailey he wanted to 'punch him in the face'.
A stump microphone picked up the Australia captain telling Anderson to 'get ready for a broken f*****g arm' towards the end of the first Test on Sunday, prompting the ICC to fine him 20 per cent of his match fee.But Warne says Clarke's outburst was in response to Anderson's words directed towards Ashes debutant Bailey.
The former leg-spinner tweeted on Monday: 'Clarke stuck up for his debutant Bailey, as he should have too as captain, after Anderson said he wanted to punch Bailey in the face!'
'On another note, I think it's a disgrace that @MClarke23 has been fined. What about what Jimmy Anderson said to Bailey, which wasn't heard.
'Unfortunately only Clarke's reaction to Anderson's was heard live, we all heard Anderson's sledge that led to Clarke reacting!
'To me it should just stay out in the middle. They all shook hands had a giggle & moved on. By fining Clarke it's made a big deal out of it.
Everyone should have just laughed, moved on and be thankful for Ashes fever. Bring on Adelaide I'm sure both teams are saying
'As an international sportsman, if you decide to dish it out you have to be prepared to cop it back too and not complain.'
The ECB have so far refused to comment on Warne's allegation.
