How sledging evolved

For too long have cricket's administrators turned a blind eye to sledging. Over the years it has evolved from what some considered 'good-humoured banter' to blatant racism.

Sledging is the practice in cricket of insulting opponents to break their concentration and cause them to make mistakes. Sledging is effective because the batsman stands within hearing range of the bowler and certain fielders. The aim is to intimidate or distract the batsman into making a fatal mistake and being dismissed.

Why we tolerate such behavior in a sport that boasts of a high degree of spirit, I do not know.

It's impossible for umpires to play a dual role and serve as moderators, therefore it is impossible to control what's being said on the field. Giving the players more or less a free license to say as they please, the recent events in Australia stand as testimony to that.

Players these days give each other a heads up when they appear on the giant screen. Thats how much thought is put into these matters. It would be naive to think our favourite cricketers are the best role models, for they are not. They are professional sportsman and they all want to win. Some want to win at all cost.

Brett Lee had just sent down a delivery and Harbhajan took off down the wicket. When he was returning to his crease, he decided to hit Brett on the backside. I have no idea why he did it.

I was standing nearby and when I saw what happened, I thought, 'Hold on, that's not on'. I'm a firm believer in sticking up for your team-mate so I stepped in and had a bit of a crack at Harbhajan, telling him exactly what I thought of his antics. He then had a shot back, which brings us to the situation we're facing. - Andrew Symonds

In a court of law this would be thrown out citing lack of evidence but hear-say was good enough for Procter to pass judgment. It's hard to understand how you can take the word of some players and not take the word of others, especially when no solid proof exists.

I am South African, and I understand the word racism.

I have lived with it for much of my life. This was not a case of just taking the word of an Australian over an Indian. I stand by my decision. I believe the process was a fair one. I intend to carry on for the rest of the series, because I don't have a problem with India. I have always had a good rapport with Indian players, said Mike Procter speaking to the media.

Mark Boucher sledging Tatenda Taibu of Zimbabwe.


Micheal Slater mouths off Rahul Dravid.


McGrath-Sarwan Spat (Antigua,'03)