Prior hits out at Warne sledging

Matt Prior claimed today he had lost respect for Shane Warne after the Australian launched an astonishing verbal attack on him during a Championship game.

Sussex's England A wicketkeeper-batsman described some of Warne's behaviour as "pathetic" during last week's draw with Hampshire at Hove.

The world's leading Test wicket-taker repeatedly sledged the 23-year-old and even mimicked him while he was at the crease, prompting Sussex captain Chris Adams to condemn Warne's actions.

Prior, earmarked as a future England player, said: "Warne came at me pretty hard during the game and said a few things he didn't need to. Some of it was just pathetic. It made him look more stupid than anything else. He was trying to size me up to see what I've got. He has obviously heard my name being bandied about so I'm going to take it as a compliment."

Prior was dismissed by Warne for four and 12 but said: "It had nothing to do with the sledging. He is obviously a legend and a fantastic cricketer but what he did lost him a bit of respect."