Saturday, May 15, 1999 Published at 12:58 GMT 13:58 UK
Warne rapped for Ranatunga row
Shane Warne in contemplative mood during nets on Saturday
Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne has been fined and handed a two-match suspended ban by the International Cricket Council following his stinging attack on Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga.
But England all-rounder Adam Hollioake has escaped punishment after also making the headlines in the build-up to the Cricket World Cup.
The ICC charged Warne with bringing the game into disrepute after he had earlier been reprimanded by the Australian Cricket Board.
The Aussie vice-captain had told The Times the game of cricket would be better off without Ranatunga.
He added that the Sri Lankan's on-field behaviour was against the spirit of cricket and that most international players shared his view.
"There is plenty of animosity between Arjuna and myself. I don't like him and I'm not in a club of one," Warne had said.
A statement from the ICC said: "Warne's penalty is a fine of 50% of his first World Cup match fee and a suspended ban from two one-day international matches, which will be enforced on any further breach of the code of conduct in the next six months."
The ACB moved quickly to gag Warne, with relations with their Sri Lankan counterparts already strained.
An ACB spokesman said Warne had been warned about his words, but would be allowed to continue writing for the newspaper.
Hollioake escaped with a warning from England following an incident during the final warm-up match against Essex at Chelmsford.
But two Essex supporters reported the matter to the police, who passed the issue to chairman of selectors David Graveney.
Graveney accepted the gesture was meant as a joke, but warned Hollioake about his behaviour - particularly in light of the extra scrutiny on the hosts during the tournament.
"Regrettably he reacted," said Hollioake. "It was reported to a police officer, but the matter, as far as I'm concerned, is closed."