Warne to appeal against ban

A shattered Australian spin wizard Shane Warne said he had been a victim of "anti-doping hysteria" and would appeal a 12-month ban imposed on him for taking a banned diuretic.

"I am absolutely devastated and very upset at this decision to suspend me for 12 months and I will appeal," Warne told reporters.

Warne was banned after an Australian Cricket Board drugs tribunal held him guilty for taking prohibited substance.

"I feel I am victim of the anti-doping hysteria. I want to repeat I have never taken performance-enhancing drugs and never will," the 33-year-old said.