Quote: Beverley red "It must be an age thing? In cricket & rugby sledging was once ungentlemanly conduct for which you were penalised & given a written warning. I do remember one of my coaches telling me if I had enough energy to take time out to argue & bait the other team I was not putting in the effort or not concentrating on my job. I don't think it will go away now shame really.'"
It depends on the level of sledging I would say - as long at it doesn't go too far (i.e. patting the bloke on the back that's just dropped the ball) or involve swearing at the opposition player (for a guy that can't get bat on ball etc) or giving a batsman a send off when you get him out, I'd say a bit of team celebration at an error or a bit of light-hearted chirping (the old "bowl him a piano, see if he can play that" kind of thing) is ok in my book - that's how i've always played cricket (and a bit of rugby).