David Warner gets maximum fine for Twitter row

Australia batsman David Warner has been hit with the maximum fine possible after he pleaded guilty to breaching the Cricket Australia Code of ­Behaviour.

Warner, who is likely to play a key role in the ICC Champions Trophy and the following Ashes series in England, posted ­unsavoury comments on ­Twitter towards journalists ­Robert Craddock and Malcolm Conn after taking exception to the former’s article about the ­Indian Premier League.

He was subsequently reported by Cricket Australia for breaching Rule 6: Unbecoming Behaviour and at the hearing yesterday was fined 5,750 Australian dollars (£3,700), the maximum financial penalty for a first-time offender. The 26-year-old said: “In hindsight, clearly I let my frustrations get the better of me and posted some inappropriate tweets last weekend.

“I’ll continue to have honest conversations with all my ­followers and I will be mindful of the language I use in future.”

Warner’s row with News Ltd journalists Craddock and Conn followed criticism of his form and an article with his image, on the dark underbelly of the IPL.

The exchange with Conn was sparked when the Sydney Telegraph writer tweeted: “You lose 4-0 in India, don’t make a run, and you want to be tickled on the tummy? Win the Ashes and get back to me.”

Warner replied: “Coming from you champion all you do is talk s*** as well. What about encouraging Aus players rather then bagging them.”

And Conn retorted: “Cricket is a real job? Please. Most people pay to play. Million dollar ­cricketers milking the IPL are hardly the best judges.”