Shane Warne defends Big Bash bust-up with Marlon Samuels

Former Australia spinner Shane Warne has defended his behaviour after his confrontation with Marlon Samuels in the Big Bash tournament on Sunday.

Warne, who was suspended on Tuesday as his Melbourne Stars side beat Sydney Thunder by 13 runs to reach the semi-finals of the Twenty20 event, said: "[Sunday] was emotion and passion.

"Sometimes we like to see that in sport - we're not robots.

"But I overstepped the line. I apologise for my behaviour."

Warne, 43, the second-highest Test wicket taker of all time, exchanged words with West Indian Samuels during the Melbourne derby between the Stars and Renegades.

The leg spinner, who took 708 Test match wickets at an average of 25.41, then hit Samuels with the ball while fielding, prompting the 31-year-old to throw his bat in the direction of the Australian.

Samuels was later hit in the eye and the injury has ended his participation in the Australian tournament, with England Twenty20 star Alex Hales called up to replace him.

Warne was fined £2,900 (AU $4,500) by Cricket Australia and suspended for Tuesday's fixture over the altercation.

"Sitting here and doing detention is not easy," he admitted when interviewed in the stands during the game against the Thunder.

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