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Probably one of the best parts of the game is sledging. Actually, it can be a huge factor in the dismissal of a batsman, especially if he/she has a very low tolerance and a poor temper. Sledging has been around for ages, and is found in almost every team sport in the world. You only have to look at this year's World Cup Final to see how effective it is - sledging makes even the best players crack, especially whilst under pressure.
On the lighter side of things, sledging is fun, especially when you're playing against friends (either on the opposing side or the same as yours). However, at a professional level, sledging is an important skill to master as it could mean an easy wicket of a key batsman.
There are various methods of sledging, of which I myself have used effectively and have copped myself:
1) Skill sledging - Probably the most common sledge is to comment about the lack of talent/skill the batsman has. This is emphasised especially when the batsman has just played a poor shot or has missed the ball completely. Most batsmen will brush it aside, but consistent mistakes means that the batsman is having a hard time - so make him/her know about it.
2) Stupid sledging - Coming up with ridiculous lines such as 'this guy's got more leaves that a tree', 'more swings than a boxer', and even 'swinging like a rusty gate on a windy day', definitely gets a laugh every so often, even the batsman might have a giggle. You may be thinking, but that means the sledging method is ineffective, but laughing means that the batsman's focus in centred on your comment, not where it should be - the ball. So when you some time in the field, think of some really wacky and stupid lines to use.
3) Harsh sledging - Lines that absolutely nail the batsman. It may be about the way he/she bats, looks, gestures, etc. These comments are blunt and to the point. A terrific example would be. 'This guy can't bat for sh_t!' And yes, swearing does give it some effect, but it really isn't necessary - and tip: not a good idea to swear next to an umpire.
4) Personal sledging - Usually the last method of 'attack', especially when all other methods seem to be failing. Personal sledging is unsurprisingly comments made about the batsman's family, wife, girlfriend, etc. Anything that is excessively harsh and an area that is almost a never off the field. If a batsman doesn't crack after this, well you might as well just start sledging for the fun of it, or you may want to concentrate on supporting the bowler.
Handling sledging: Being able to handle these comments is a very, (and I stress), VERY important skill to have. Not only does it help on the cricket field, but in any competitive circumstances you find yourself in. The easiest way is to either ignore and not to take any comments to heart, otherwise you may find yourself swinging punches, or getting fired up for no reason - which will cost you your wicket, perhaps even a few matches on the sidelines for misconduct (if you're the overly aggressive type).
As you can see, sledging is a fundamental area of cricket, which perhaps has had a bad name over the years, but the most important thing to remember is that whatever is said on the field, stays on the field, and that any comments made are merely for the game's sake and should never be taken to heart.
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