SOUTHAMPTON (England), April 26: Shane Warne has become embroiled in a sledging row following a match playing for Hampshire in the English County Championship. The legendary Australian leg-spinner has been accused of trying to humiliate opposing players during Hampshire’s drawn Division One match with Sussex last weekend.

Sussex captain Chris Adams says Warne abused England hopeful Matt Prior, whom he dismissed in both innings.

“Matt Prior came in for quite a bit of verbal abuse,” Adams said.

“I have told Matt that is because he is seen as a threat and he should take it as a backhanded compliment.

“Because of what he has done in the game Shane Warne will always be considered a great. Off the field he was outstanding and the first person to congratulate us and say what a great game it was.

“But I have lost a lot of respect for him because of the way he behaved in the match.

“I have played for 18 years with and against some of the greatest players in the world, legends like Michael Holding, Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner and Steve Waugh. Not one of these guys ever felt the need to disrespect people or disrespect the game.”

Hampshire manager Paul Terry refused to be drawn on Adams’ accusations.

Warne looked like leading Hampshire to a dramatic last-day victory after being set a target of 285 to win their second innings. They notched 113-6 in their first twenty overs but fell 18 runs short of their victory target.—AFP