Sledging Talk During Ashes Build-Up Won't Go Away Any Time Soon

The Ashes is just over two weeks away and, as usual, it’s likely to coincide with plenty of fanfare both on and off the pitch. In fact, it’s already started. The lead-up to the tour has largely been dominated by talk of sledging.

During the last Ashes campaign, when Australia whitewashed England 5-0 on home soil, things got a bit heated. Australia captain Michael Clarke told England tail-ender James Anderson to "get ready for a broken f--king arm."

Clarke apologised for his comments later on and has said that the upcoming series will be played in "the spirit of the game," but that hasn't stopped his team-mates from chiming in when asked about the role sledging will play during the Ashes.

Australia batsman Shaun Marsh said:

"

I think it is really important to get out there and show your aggression and put your stamp on the game - that is the Australian way.

It is an Ashes series and I am sure there will be sledging from both teams, but I am also sure it will be in the spirit of the game.

"

According to the Marylebone Cricket Club, the guardian of cricket's laws, it is against the "spirit of the game" to "direct abusive language towards an opponent" and, during the World Cup, the International Cricket Council said that they will be cracking down on sledging.

However, Aussie Brad Haddin still let it all out with a number of animated send-offs when Australia and New Zealand squared off in the final.

Haddin went on to defend his behavior, saying in a radio interview with Triple M:

"

They were that nice to us in New Zealand (when Australia lost a pool match) and we were that uncomfortable.

[...]

I said: I'm not playing cricket like this. If we get another crack at these guys in the final I'm letting everything (out). And I'm not going to play another one-day game so they can suspend me for as long as they like.

"

Haddin remains Australia’s preferred keeper in Tests, so if his attitude towards one-day cricket is anything to go by, some heated exchanges can be expected from him during the Ashes tour.

It is telling, though, that so much of the talk in the build-up to the Ashes has already centred around sledging. Sledging has been part of cricket for a long time, but in recent years, it has evolved from humorous quips to downright dull abuse.

For Australia, it’s something that has worked. They have unsettled opponents by snarling and mouthing off. It’s something that has always been part and parcel of the “Australian way” and to expect anything different would be naive.

Some fans might find the behavior boorish and unnecessary and argue that it takes away from the contest, but for others, including current players, it’s all part of the game.

"

Hey, Australia. With your aggression, grating sledging, & shrewish spirit, how about we scrub the Ashes for something enjoyable? #bbccricket

— Mike Bell (@MikeBell912) June 17, 2015"

West Indies player Jason Holder said it's something he quite enjoys.  During Australia’s recent tour of the West Indies, the 23-year-old said:

"

There's always someone in your ear at some stage of the game. But I love it, that's cricket. I don't think it would be international cricket without it, it's something that should be done more often – obviously, in a very discrete way – and I think that's part of the game and I look forward to it. There's always a chance for us to give it, and that's cricket – you give it and you get it.

"

With tempers likely to flare in England as Australia try to retain the Ashes, it’ll be interesting to see just how much is given by both teams.

All quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise stated.