Ashes 2013-14: Australia captain Michael Clarke fined for 'using language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting' towards England bowler James Anderson

The ICC have hit Clarke with a 20% fine of his match fee after his comments in the closing stages of the first Test in Brisbane

Australia captain Michael Clarke exchanges words with England's James Anderson (GETTY IMAGES)

Australia captain Michael Clarke has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee for “using language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting” in the first Test against England in Brisbane, the International Cricket Council has confirmed.

Clarke defended his sledging after the game, dismissing it as "banter".

He said: "Through my career, there has always been banter on the cricket field - and I cop as much as I give, that's for sure.

"That's part and parcel of the game...but all the England players know we certainly respect them, and we understand we have to be at our best to beat them.

"I've heard a lot worse said on a cricket field than what the Australia players or the England players said throughout this Test match."

The fine comes after a Test that was played amid no little rancour both on and off the field.

The tourists have been on the receiving end of a hostile reception, most notably from the press who have been particularly harsh in their treatment of England bowler Stuart Broad.

England skipper Alastair Cook, meanwhile, accused David Warner of being "disrespectful" in his description of Jonathan Trott's batsmanship as "poor" and "weak".

PA