Merv Hughes and his fine moustache. Photo / Getty Images
Merv Hughes and his fine moustache. Photo / Getty Images
Cricket sledging is copping plenty of abuse these days. People don't see the funny side any more because from what we can gather, there isn't one. But as our potted history of the art suggests, it doesn't have to be this way.
1. Fred Trueman (England)
1956 picture of Fred Trueman. Photo / Getty Images
Not a sledge in the traditional sense, because it was aimed at a teammate. But Fiery Fred's classic just can't be overlooked. When Raman Subba Row's dropped catch also went for four, the errant fielder conceded he should have kept his legs together. "It's a pity your mother didn't," came the Trueman response.
Hughes had a wonderful moustache, but it wasn't what covered his lip that made him such a character. A few struggling batsmen were advised by Hughes: "If you turn the bat over you'll get the instructions mate."
3. Dennis Lillee (Australia)
As if his fearsome pace bowling wasn't enough, Lillee could knock blokes over with his savage form of wit. He loved to tell battling opponents that the problem was a piece of s*** on the end of their bat. When the batsman inspected the toe, Lillee interjected: "Wrong end mate". For some reason, no one suggested he needed new material.
England opener Graham Gooch was in all sorts of strife against Hughes. "Would you like me to bowl a piano and see if you can play that?" inquired Hughes.
5. Merv Hughes ... again
The great Pakistani batsman Javed Miandad tried to unsettle Hughes by calling him a "big fat bus conductor". When Hughes dismissed Miandad, he shouted: "Tickets please".
6. Daryll Cullinan (South Africa)
Leg spin genius Shane Warne tried to get one past Cullinan before he had faced a ball. "I've been waiting two years for another chance at you," was Warne's greeting. Cullinan had a poor record against Warne but at least he won this verbal battle. "Looks like you spent it eating ... ", came his retort.
7. WG Grace (England)
There was only one Dr Grace, something the legendary cricketer of the 1800s played on helped by compliant umpires reluctant to give him out. An opponent who clean bowled Grace chirped: "Surely you're not going doctor. There's still one stump standing."
8. Derek Randall (England)
Derek Randall. Photo / Getty Images
The eccentric batsman was hit on the head by a Lillee bouncer. "No good hitting me there mate - there's nothing to damage."
Who the heck would sledge this bloke? Well, a county fast bowler named Greg Thomas did. "It's red, round and weighs about five ounces, in case you were wondering," a hastily triumphal Thomas blurted out. Richards hit the next ball out of sight. "You know what it looks like so go and find it," said Richards.
10. Glenn Turner (New Zealand)
Glenn Turner. Photo / Getty Images
It's difficult to find witty Kiwi sledges. When Ian Chappell subjected Turner to sustained abuse Turner asked for an apology. This is funny considering the chances Turner had of getting one from the captain of the "ugly Australians".
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