A Case Against Sledging
eat Cricket, drink Cricket, sleep Cricket
I don’t belong to the anti-sledging campaign. In fact, I have said before that sledging, if done within limits, can make the game interesting.
But did you know that sledging of any sort is completely against the laws of cricket? It clearly violates Law no. 42 (Fair and Unfair Play).
Deliberate attempt to distract striker
It is unfair for any member of the fielding side deliberately to attempt to distract the striker while he is preparing to receive or receiving a delivery.
(a) If either umpire considers that any action by a member of the fielding side is such an attempt, at the first instance he shall
(i) immediately call and signal Dead ball.
(ii) warn the captain of the fielding side that the action is unfair and indicate that this is a first and final warning.
(iii) inform the other umpire and the batsmen of what has occurred.
Neither batsman shall be dismissed from that delivery and the ball shall not count as one of the over.
Besides, it is considered to be against the Spirit of the Game
It is against the Spirit of the Game:
To dispute an umpire’s decision by word, action or gesture
To direct abusive language towards an opponent or umpire
To indulge in cheating or any sharp practice, for instance:
(a) to appeal knowing that the batsman is not out
(b) to advance towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing
(c) to seek to distract an opponent either verbally or by harassment with persistent clapping or unnecessary noise under the guise of enthusiasm and motivation of one’s own side.
So while I agree with Stuart that in some cultures sledging comes naturally to players, this shouldn’t be used as an excuse to indulge in it when you’re playing international cricket.
Kumar Sangakkara is one of my current favorites, and one of the reasons I like to see him on the field is that he is such a profuse sledger. Moreover, since he doesn’t seem to throw obscenities or anything of racial nature at the batsman, I thought he’s cute. But he is sledging nonetheless; however good-humored, it is after all meant to distract the batter. That’s saying, it’s not right.
Players seem to have reached upon a mutual consensus that some sledging is normal, and they have done their best to justify their own sledging. And it looks like no one really is complaining. But if you are indeed a purist, which I’ll shamelessly admit I am not, you should be concerned. After all is said and done, it remains for the cricketer to decide if he wants to sledge or not. Have respect for the Spirit of the Game or not.
But if I were a pro, I’d try NOT to sledge, and show total respect to ALL the laws of cricket. Of course, it’d easy for me. Sledging, really, is a guy thing.
Photo Credit: Sydney Morning Herald
Tags: kumar sangakkara sledging, laws of cricket, sledgingRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Cricket, Game of Cricket
18 opinions for A Case Against Sledging
Ottayan
Feb 18, 2008 at 2:36 pm
If it is against the rules and the spirit of the game, then why do we have to ban sledgingas it is already deemed unlawful?
Punish anyone who indulges in it without fear or favour.
BTW, the talk of it being a part of Australian sporting psyche is a lame excuse. It is trotted out to justify boorish behaviour.
Dinnie
Feb 18, 2008 at 4:04 pm
I think the ICC don’t know the rules themselves.
Someone please shoot an e-mail to them.
Betfair Kid
Feb 18, 2008 at 5:38 pm
It’s hard to say ‘ban sledging’ when it is done so often, but if it is unlawful then something definitely needs to be done about it. Distracting the batsman in any way should not be allowed, though I’m sure players would argue that there are sledgers on both teams, so what is the difference?
The ICC should clampdown on it if the problem is persisting, it will only get worse. The Australian’s need to be told as well, whether they like it or not. Them saying it is ‘natural’ will only lead to them pushing the boundaries and trying it more.
Biplob Kishore Deb
Feb 18, 2008 at 9:10 pm
It is simply unacceptable to allow sledging in cricket when it is truly a “gentlemen’s game.” I do think a gentleman needs to use his mouth to outperform his opponent unless he does not have the talent in him to show his skill with bat and ball. Some say that sledging is an art. If it is an art then I am really doubtful about the exact definition of art. What is a matter of worry is that many young cricketers are now learning this so called art following the senior cricketers.
Uncle J rod
Feb 19, 2008 at 2:29 am
Hello Good Friend
I’m sure you are concerned about all the worlds ills, and you probably wish there was at least one thing you could do.
Well now there is visit cricketwithballs.com and Sign my David Hussey for Australia Petition and you’ll be contributing to world peace.
Vote David Hussey, he will represent you the people.
The Atheist
Feb 19, 2008 at 9:33 am
That’s interesting. I wonder what other laws aren’t being enforced.
“Law 32 (1) No Australians
a - No Australians will take the field against any team.
b - If Australians take the field, in a “friendly” encounter, they shall forfeit the match.”
Well bugger me.
Dinnie
Feb 19, 2008 at 7:20 pm
You all sound so intelligent sometimes. Er, well, I mean you guys really are, uh, intelligent.
Uncle J, you look so bored?
Athiest, more than Aussies, we need laws against English, ahem, streakers. I think they just spoil games. But again, it is entertainment of sorts for some.
Scorpicity
Feb 20, 2008 at 8:27 am
Sangakkara and sledging? Wow… didn’t know that one… thought the sri lankans are sweet on the field.
Dinnie
Feb 20, 2008 at 9:17 am
Sweet? Heh. Did you see that video involving Ian Healy? They are catching on the art fast.
Ah, did I say art? Art?!
straight point
Feb 20, 2008 at 1:00 pm
“I don’t belong to the anti-sledging campaign. In fact, I have said before that sledging, if done within limits, can make the game interesting.”
its WITHIN LIMITS where the problem lies…DIN
who is doing to decide what is within limits what is not…its very subjective…
what is withing Limit for me may not be for you…
so its only one way to go about it…either move on and nothing changes…or just completely shut their mouth…they assemble in ground to play cricket not to know each other M$&# anatomy…isn’t it…
Dinnie
Feb 20, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Hi Pan,
You are right. But know what, what I had wanted to say is that I’ve always considered sledging normal but was kind of surprised to find that is clearly violates the laws.
Of course, from now on, I DO belong to the ANTI campaign.
straight point
Feb 20, 2008 at 1:59 pm
thanks DIN… :)
Uncle J Rod
Feb 21, 2008 at 12:49 am
You can see me?
Freaky…
Dinnie
Feb 21, 2008 at 4:11 pm
I have powers…
Uncle J Rod
Feb 22, 2008 at 6:29 am
I always suspected.
Dinnie
Feb 22, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Feeling helpless?
J rod
Feb 24, 2008 at 8:50 am
No more than usual.
Dinnie
Feb 24, 2008 at 11:28 am
I miss “uncle”…
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: