Sledging had always been a part of cricket. Over the years we have seen teams- especially the Australians- use the ploy to get under the skin of the opposition. They call it ‘mental disintegration’.
Different cricketers react differently when subjected to verbal volleys or sarcastic taunts. While some of them lose their concentration and in a way play into the hands of the opposition, others become more and more determined, proceeding to answer with their skills, almost making the instigator regret at his actions.
And we have seen that on a plethora of instances in the past.
Also Read: Top-7 Memorable Altercations Between India And Australia Players In The Past 20 Years
Here’s a look at five instances where cricketers regretted sledging their opponent-
Brian Lara and Danish Kaneria, Multan Test 2005
Brian Lara belongs to a select view group of cricketers with whom you just never indulge in sledging or verbal volleys. The Australians did it back in 1993 and Lara shut them up a masterly 277 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The Aussies learnt their lesson and never again did they try to ruffle Lara’s feathers during the remainder of his career. But, unfortunately, Danish Kaneria didn’t and he duly paid the price for it.
Pakistan vs West Indies. Multan Test, 2005. Lara was in great form and had proceeded to hit Kaneria for a boundary. The next ball, Lara played a defensive shot, post which the leg-spinner sarcastically clapped before saying- “Well Played”
What followed next was an absolute massacre! The next four balls of Kaneria’s over read: 6,6,6,4. Lara smashed Kaneria to all corners of the ground, taking him for 26 runs in a single over, giving another reminder to the bowlers around the world that you just don’t mess with the prince.
One of the greatest sledging fails in cricket EVER.
Completely idiotic Pakistan bowler sledging Brian Lara, of all batsman.
How'd that work out for you son?? ?
6 6 6 4.
Thats how. ?
Now what did you learn?? ? https://t.co/USOMwBgjZ1 pic.twitter.com/V6L9tG9VqB
— Rob Moody (@robelinda2) April 13, 2020