David Warner has defended his use of the words "speak English" during an on-field squabble with Rohit Sharma during Sunday's ODI at the MCG, but has been fined 50% of his match fee over the incident. Warner admitted during a radio interview on Monday morning that he was in the wrong by engaging with Rohit.
The incident occurred at the end of the 23rd over of India's innings, when India took an overthrow and the Australians showed their displeasure, seemingly believing the ball had ricocheted off Rohit's legs. Replays suggested that was not necessarily the case, but during the crossover at the end of the over the umpire had to step in to hose down a verbal stoush between Warner and Rohit.
"On the cricket etiquette side of things when you throw a ball to the keeper and it hits a player you don't run," Warner said on Sky Sports Radio on Monday. "A few of the boys said something to him and when I went over to say something he sort of said something in their language and I said 'speak English', because if you're going to say something for me to understand theoretically, I cannot speak Hindi.
A couple of things really disturbing here and one is from the ICC point of view. 50% fine probably doesn't mean an awful lot to him as CA will wheel him out for some appearances where he can supplement his income. Until they learn that there is an actual problem with the international game and players are suspended it will continue. Perhaps when a batsman takes a swipe (and connects) the ICC might do something
Melbourne: Volatile Australian batsman David Warner was on Monday warned by his cricket Board boss to "stop looking for trouble" after he engaged in verbal spat with Indian opener Rohit Sharma during the tri-series match between their sides on Sunday.
Warner was fined 50 per cent of his match fee from Australia's win over India by the ICC following that incident.
The incident was the latest in quite a few in-your-face confrontations involving Australian and Indian players and not for the first time Warner, a noted antagoniser, was in a leading role.
CA Chief Executive James Sutherland has told Warner in no uncertain terms that he should mend his ways, according to a report.
"I have spoken to David to understand what happened in the incident with Rohit Sharma yesterday and to remind him of his responsibilities as an Australian cricketer and a role model," Sutherland said.
"He has worked very hard on his leadership and behaviour over the past 12 months and I have told him very clearly that instances like this only serve to set back the progress he has made. Quite simply, he needs to stop looking for trouble," he was quoted as saying by 'Sydney Morning Herald'.
Sunday's episode happened after Rohit took an overthrow from an errant Warner throw. Then, Warner was seen to mouth to the Indian century-maker the words "Speak English" after the Australian instigated a confrontation.
Warner argued in a radio interview on Monday that he was simply telling Rohit he could not understand him but Sutherland seemed unimpressed by his explanation.
"This is the second time he has been before the ICC match referee this season and that's twice too often. From my discussion with David, I am satisfied that his comments to Rohit Sharma were not racially motivated. That said, I have reminded him that he needs to carefully reconsider the manner in which he approaches these sorts of situations in the future," said the CA boss.
Slamming Australian opener David Warner for his 'thuggish' behaviour in recent times, former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe has said that it's time cricket takes a cue from football and introduces yellow and red cards for on-field misconduct.
