Product Description

Sledging is the art of verbally intimidating a batsman so that he loses his concentration and gets himself out. It is also known as the art of initiating mental disintegration. The fielding side may use a variety of tactics to do this, including: the witty welcome, where the fielders try to upset the incoming batsman immediately; the chirp, where a fielder, usually the wicketkeeper, tries to engage the batsman in a battle of wits to divert his attention from the game; the behind the back shout, where any one of the fielders may loudly suggest a new tactic to remove the batsman; the unexpected question, which may be so shocking and have nothing at all to do with cricket that the batsman loses concentration; the observation, which usually relates to the batsman's technique; the aggressive rant, where the bowler deliberately appears to get wound up; the sarcastic dig, where the bowler taunts the batsman; and the send off, where, having got out, the batsman is sent on his way with a volley of abuse ringing in his ears. The word itself appears to derive from the observation that New South Wales cricketer Grahame Corling was as subtle as a sledgehammer having offended his host at a party. This book tells you all about it!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3410 in Books
• Published on: 2006-11-02
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 160 pages

Customer Reviews

The perfect stocking filler!
This is a cracking good read. I thought I knew most of the famous sledges but there are so many more in here. With England locking horns with Australia at the moment it's the perfect time to give those dastardly Aussies some verbal! Would be a great Christmas gift for any fan of the game, and those who just like general abuse!

Never more perfect timing!
The recent Test series between England and India has really
highlighted sledging's impact on the game. Some of the England players
reportedly ribbed one of the Indians over his weight (and his team's
propensity to get extra shine on the ball using the old jellybean-infused-saliva trick!) and the series became all the more interesting as a result.
Then you have the crowd throwing the sweets onto the outfield to stir
the pot, so even the fans get a go! This book serves a timely reminder that it's never just about the cricket. Enjoy the best sledges and their counters from the game's history, but do watch out for the occasional four letter word - it can get a bit fruity! Richly entertaining.

Extremely Funny!
This book is packed with hilarious quotes from the middle and features some of the greatest names in the game. If you think you know all the best sledges, then think again. There are hundreds more in here that will keep you entertained for hours, and may even give you some ideas for the next village game. The perfect present for any armchair fan or player!