Englishman Jimmy Anderson Threatened Aussie Cricketer George Bailey to 'punch him in the face': Shane Warne
Shane Warne has made an interesting revelation regarding the sledging incident which took place on the last of the first Ashes test between Australia and England.
Warne claimed that it was Jimmy Anderson who had first initiated acrimony as he threatened Aussie fielder George Bailey that he would punch him in the face. Australian captain Michael Clarke reacted to the threat and told Anderson to get ready for a broken arm.
Warne tweeted on Monday night that he was able to hear the entire conversation from the commentary box. Warne's claims have all the possibilities to be true as one of the technicians at the Nine Network revealed that there was a technical error and it was not possible to record the entire conversation on the field.
The on field microphones could only capture Clarke's threat. Anderson's threat to the Aussie short-leg fielder came between overs when the microphones are supposed to be turned off. The technical glitch has also cost $3,000 to Clarke who was fined by the ICC for his behaviour against Anderson, who released a book last summer, where he criticised the Aussie captain of being arrogant.
Steve Crawley, the network head of Wide World of Sport, which was responsible for handling the on-field microphones, apologised to the Aussie captain for the mistake, The Australian reports. Crawley said that Clarke, who had led Australia to a historic victory, did not deserve to be punished due to the technical error.
Warne, arguably the greatest leg-spinner Cricket has ever produced, argued that Clarke had stood up for the debutant Bailey. He said that Clarke did what he should have done as a captain. Warne also tweeted that he believed it was a disgrace that Clarke had been penalised. Anderson's threat was not heard and Clarke's reaction was, which was unfortunate - according to Warne.
Warne continued tweeting as he said that everyone should have taken the incident lightly. Any international sportsman should be prepared to be paid back in his own coins if he initiates an offence, he said. The ECB, on the other hand, has refused to react to Warne's thoughts.
Read the details about the sledging incident HERE.