MELBOURNE, July 10: Leg-spinner Shane Warne has shrugged off the controversy over his one-finger salute to English fans after Australia won the third Test in England this week.

Warne, who arrived today on a quick visit to see his new-born daughter, said at Melbourne Airport the incident was nothing more than good-natured banter with England supporters. English tabloid newspapers captured the `salute' in photographs as Warne was spraying champagne in celebration and it was given wide coverage after Australia's emphatic win.

Warne said the banter had been on-going between him and the crowds throughout the series.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.