In cricket, sledging is exchanging words with an opposition player which can put them off their usual game; it is an attempt to "psych out" an opponent. It can lead to an unexpected decline in performance and is not in the spirit of the game.

Instances of sledging

• 2003 - Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath exchanged words with West Indian batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan. According to a report, McGrath was alleged to have said "If you ever f###ing mention my wife again, I will f###ing rip your f###ing throat out."
• 2004 - Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne was alleged to have called Ronnie Irani 's mother a "whore".

Sources

• Lighter examples of sledging
• Crikey - McGrath Sledge Contains profanity
• The Age - Warne Sledge
• Sledging part of Latham's cricket days Requires registration