Makes sense to me:


Cricinfo - Let's ban sledging

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My computer can beat me at chess.....but its no match for me at kick boxing.

It'll never happen,next they will be saying that all new batsmen should be applauded into the wicket by the fielders.

I believe that sledging should be banned because it is easy to play upon sensitivities of individual players - like the alleged "monkey chant". There is no need to go overboard - a bit of friendly ribbing is all right - but as responsible adults (assuming that's what most players are), they should avoid things designed to upset the batsman's concentration. That's not cricket.

Unfortunately, sledging has taken a very ugly turn and if ICC does not get strict now, they will have to issue a shoot st sight order later and it would be very difficult to control it later. The verbal exchanges between teams are crossing the lines in every match and it will be good to put a restriction on how much is being exchanged.

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My computer can beat me at chess.....but its no match for me at kick boxing.

I share these views. I have been saying for a long time that unless sledging is stopped/banned there is going to be a hand-to-hand fight in the middle one day. The events at the SCG are simply the beginning. Sledging, except friendly banter as used to happen in good old days, should be banned altogether.

I guess with sledging it depends how it is interpreted.I remember the clip of Flintoff and Best where Freddie tells Best to "Mind the windows Tino". Next ball Best storms down the track and is stumped,is that over the top?

I agree that personal insults and abusive language are a nono but the Aussies calling Ian Bell "The sherminator" last winter was fine in my opinion,a bit hurtful but quite funny.

The problem is where is the line and what do we do if it is crossed?

Obviously you've NEVER played a meaningful senior team sport.

Obviously you can't play fairly?

If your idea of "meaningful senior team sport" is to resort to cheap and derogatory tactics, then keep them firmly down under...and I don't mean just the equator. Just because some words and phrases are acceptable in certain circles, that does not mean it should be universally so. Teams visit each other's countries as guests to play the game of cricket and it would be good to all concerned to bear that in mind first and foremost. If anyone has other inclinations, I am sure that they'll have no trouble finding other outlets suitable for the necessary catharsis.

All sledging does is to create a needless viscious circle. Not that I would ever condone such a thing, but anyone with even a bit of foresight will now know what to expect from the Indian crowds the next time Australia visit India. By the end of the tour, the earlier "Symonds chant" will probably sound like a nursey rhyme by comparison. That is certainly not where we want the game to end up.

I've done both