'Passionate' Warne sorry for T20 bust-up

Warne was banned for one match and fined Aus$4,500 (US$4,700) over the row. But he expressed hope that "one little incident" wouldn't besmirch his reputation among cricket fans.

"I'd like to think of the 25 years I've been playing first-class cricket rather than just one game," he said.

"I'd like to think there's a lot of positive and good things I've done for Australian cricket and all that sort of stuff over the years.

"One little incident here or there (doesn't matter). I do apologise for my behaviour and I'm disappointed in my own reaction."

Warne claimed 708 Test wickets in a celebrated career but he has also courted controversy, notably when he was fined for accepting money from a bookmaker and when he was sent home from the 2003 World Cup for taking a banned diuretic.

Warne banned, fined after ugly T20 bust-up

Australian spin legend Shane Warne was banned for one match and fined Aus$ 4,500 (US$4,700) on Monday after an ugly, foul-mouthed clash with West Indian batsman Marlon Samuels during a Twenty20 match in Melbourne.

The spin legend, captaining the Melbourne Stars against city rivals the Renegades in the domestic Big Bash tournament on Sunday, was furious that Samuels pulled back David Hussey when the batsman was turning for a second run.

And when Samuels was batting later in the game, Warne confronted the West Indian by swearing at him.