Most Infamous Sledging Incidents In Cricket: Cricket is often known as Gentleman’s game. However, there have been several on-field moments with players crossing their boundaries in defying the sole meaning behind the game.
These incidents often happen in the spur of the moment when players indulge in a verbal spat with the opposition. Sledging is a very much part of cricket and is acceptable only when it is practiced within the boundaries. However, there have been a few infamous incidents that will continue to tarnish the sporting image.
Here’s a look at five infamous sledging incidents in cricket:
Monkey gate incident – Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds
The awful Monkeygate incident falls under one of the darkest chapters of India-Australia rivalry. The incident happened on India’s tour to Australia in 2008 during the Sydney Test. The highlight involving Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds was based around the former being accused of referring Symonds as ‘Monkey’. However, later it was revealed that it was Symonds who hurled abuse at the Indian off-spinner which led to Harbhajan giving it back to him in his own language. As a result, Harbhajan was banned for three Test matches.
Michael Clarke hurls abuse towards James Anderson in Ashes 2013/14
The first Test of the Ashes 2013/14 gave rise to many infamous sledges that followed in the entire series. In the Gabba Test 2013, while batting James Anderson got upset on George Bailey, who was fielding at short-leg and suggested him to punch. However, watching all this unfold, Skipper Clarke wasn’t too happy and had a few words to say to the English spearhead. He warned him to be careful of the bumpers coming in from the other end with Mitchell Johnson steaming in at 15o clicks.
Ishant Sharma sledges Steve Smith in his funny own way
In the second Test of India vs Australia 2017 Test series, Ishant Sharma had a go at Australian skipper Steve Smith during the second innings of the Bengaluru Test. Smith, who’s famous for his antics while batting, irritated the Indian pacer who later imitated Smith while bowling a spell at him. Ishant’s funny face got viral and became one of the talking points of the Test match.
Quinton de Kock makes a personal comment about Warner’s wife
The South Africa vs Australia in infamously remembered for the Sandpaper gate saga that unfolded in the third Test at Capetown. However, what preceded it was another incident involving some personal comments being targeted towards David Warner and his wife during the first Test at Durban. Quinton de Kock, the SA wicket-keeper was found to be the main culprit. However, Warner who didn’t react in the smartest of ways was sanctioned fine after his staircase altercation with De Kock post the tea interval.
Shannon Gabriel asks Joe Root if he likes boys?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8ZRoTPoRtQ
During the third Test of the West Indies vs England Test series 2019 at St. Lucia, Shannon Gabriel had a few words to say to the England skipper Joe Root. The pace bowler, during England’s 232-run partnership, asked Root if he likes boys. To which the England skipper replied, “There’s nothing wrong with being gay”. Their conversation was picked up on the stump mic, resulting in a 4-match ban for the Caribbean pacer. Gabriel, however, accepted his fault and didn’t bother challenging the sanctions imposed on him.
