David Warner defends 'speak English' comment to Rohit Sharma

Sharma's 138 was not enough to prevent his side losing to Australia

Australia's David Warner has defended his part in an on-field row with India's Rohit Sharma during a one-day international between the two sides.

Warner confronted batsman Sharma after he took a single to an overthrow.

"When I went over to say something to him, he sort of said something in their language," said Warner.

"I said 'speak English' because, if you're going to say something for me to understand, theoretically I cannot speak Hindi."

Speaking to Sky Sports Radio, he added: "So I did the polite thing and asked him to speak English. Therefore he did and I can't repeat what he said."

Warner was fined 50% of his match fee after admitting a charge of conduct contrary to the spirit of the game.

Sharma scored 138 but hosts Australia won by four wickets in a match forming part of a tri-series which also involves England.

Australian players remonstrated over him taking a run on an overthrow because the ball had deflected off him.

The row follows some bad-tempered moments between the two sides in their recent Test series, which Australia won 2-0.

India batsman Virat Kohli and Australia pace bowler Mitchell Johnson were involved in an angry exchange of words during the third Test in Melbourne.

"I thought I was OK by asking him to speak English and I am going to say it a couple of times if he keeps saying it in Hindi," added Warner.

"If people get on the wrong side of me, I'm not going to back down."

Australia are being captained by George Bailey in the absence of the injured Michael Clarke and he has been suspended for one ODI and fined 20% of his match fee for a slow over-rate in the win over India.

Clarke will be replaced by George Bailey as captain for the World Cup if not fit

Clarke, meanwhile, is on course to recover from a hamstring injury to play at the World Cup.

The batsman was sidelined after the first Test against India in December and admitted his career could be in doubt because of the injury.

But he was named in his country's squad for the World Cup, which they are co-hosting with New Zealand, and has until their second game of the tournament on 21 February to prove his fitness.

"Michael is progressing well in his rehab and is currently running on a regular basis and has commenced batting," said Australia physio Alex Kountouris.

"He was reviewed by the surgeon in Melbourne on Sunday who was very pleased with his progress.

"He remains on track for a return to play by 21 February."