Shane Warne says he's fed up with being painted as a villain by English county cricket captains after coming under heavy criticism for his on-field behaviour.

The Australian legspinner found himself at the centre of yet another sledging row this week after Sussex skipper Chris Adams accused his Hampshire counterpart of verbally abusing Matt Prior in last weekend's drawn Division One match.

"I am sick and tired of being cast as the villain because English captains give one side of the story," Warne told The Times newspaper on Wednesday.

Warne admitted trying to get under Prior's skin, but in turn claimed that the 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman had "chested" Hampshire teammate and fellow Australian Simon Katich.

"I thought cricket was a non-contact sport," Warne said.

"I was sticking up for my mate and letting Prior know what I thought about his behaviour.

"I do not like getting involved in tit for tat, but I am fed up with copping flak about sledging when there are two sides to the story."

Australian cricketers already have a formidable reputation as masters of verbally intimidating rivals.

The latest controversy involving Warne comes as England prepares to host Australia in the Ashes series starting in July.

Last year, Warne was accused but cleared of making insulting comments to Essex captain Ronnie Irani.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP