Spin great Shane Warne says a threat by Jimmy Anderson to punch debutant George Bailey sparked the furious reaction by Australian skipper Michael Clarke in the first Test against England.
Clarke was fined 20 percent of his match fee on Monday after being caught by a stump microphone telling the fast bowler to expect a broken arm in the final stages of Australia's 381-run victory in Brisbane Sunday.
The usually mild-mannered Clarke also wagged his finger in a close-up confrontation with the England quick, a renowned sledger, with the umpires needing to step in to cool tempers.
As a member of the Nine Network's commentary team, Warne had access to all the stump microphone recordings and tweeted that Anderson had threatened Bailey, who was fielding in close, with a punch to the face.
"I think it's a disgrace that @MClarke23 has been fined. What about what Jimmy Anderson said to Bailey, which wasn't heard," Warne posted on Twitter late Monday.
"@MClarke23 stuck up for his debutant Bailey as he should have too as capt after Anderson said he wanted to punch Bailey in the face.
"Unfortunately only Clarke's reaction to Anderson's was heard live, we all heard Anderson's sledge that led to Clarke reacting."
He added: "Lastly as an international sportsman, if you decide to dish it out ie sledging you have to be prepared to cop it back too & not complain.
