MELBOURNE, Australia (CMC):

West Indies middle-order batsman Marlon Samuels has escaped punishment for his role in an ugly clash with Shane Warne, captain of the Melbourne Stars, during a cricket match in the Australian Big Bash League.

Samuels, who plays for Melbourne Renegades, was found guilty by Cricket Australia of conduct unbecoming.

However, he has been let off with a reprimand by Commissioner John Price, who acknowledged his conduct had resulted from "extreme provocation".

Warne was given a US$4,500 fine and a match suspension from the heated clash between the Stars and Renegades on January 6.

Samuels' charge of engaging in inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with other players from that match was dismissed.

In a separate hearing involving Samuels, Adelaide Strikers coach Darren Berry had his unbecoming conduct charge dismissed after the two exchanged words before the Renegades' match on January 2.

Samuels has been recuperating in a Melbourne hotel after suffering severe facial injuries in the Stars match after he was hit by a bouncer while batting later in the match.

He will only fly home to Jamaica when doctors say he can travel safely.