Big Bash: Starring Warne, Samuels in foul-mouthed spat

Australian star Shane Warne and West Indian international Marlon Samuels were involved in an ugly, foul-mouthed clash on Sunday when a Twenty20 match boiled over in front of a record crowd of 46,581 for a domestic Twenty20 game in Australia.

Spin legend Warne, captaining the Melbourne Stars against city rivals Renegades in the domestic Big Bash tournament, was furious that Samuels had tugged at David Hussey's jersey as he tried to stop the batsman from turning for a second run.

And when it was Samuels's turn to bat later in the game, Warne confronted the West Indian when he came out to bat. After the end of his second over, Warne walked up to the big Jamaican and hurled abuses for his unsporting behaviour and then grabbed the West Indian's shirt and jabbed a finger at him.

Both players came to blows in the following over. Warne after fielding a drive from Samuels tossed the ball straight at the West Indian from close range even though he was well within his crease. Samuels then threw his bat over Warne's head and umpires had to rush in to calm the situation.

Warne, who was wearing a microphone for on-field comments to aid TV coverage, told commentators: "What are you meant to do when someone throws a bat at you?" Samuels was later forced to retire hurt when he top-edged a Lasith Malinga delivery into his eye. With blood gushing from his face, he needed hospital treatment. Samuels' injury is expected to keep him out of the tournament.

Warne not worried

The only consolation for Samuels was that his Renegades team won by nine wickets thanks to Aaron Finch's 67 off just 47 balls. After the match Warne looked not worried at all. "I tried to throw the ball to Bobby Quiney and the next minute I decided to get out of the way of that bat," he said.

... contd.

ALSO READ

IPL 2013: It's going to be tough game against Punjab, says Daniel Vettori

IPL 2013: Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Dravid fashion Rajasthan Royals' win

IPL 2013: A forgettable 'hat-trick' for Kieron Pollard

Conditions in England will assist my style of bowling, says Bhuvneshwar Kumar