Is it all fair game in cricket and sledging?

I’VE spoken at length about sledging (in cricket) before and I’m sure I’ve admitted I’m a fan – of sorts.

I believe it adds a little bit of colour and character to a game that is becoming increasingly devoid of it.

But when I say I’m a fan, I’m talking about the “good sledging” the clever stuff.

Think Merv Hughes to Graeme Hick “if you turn the bat over there’s instructions on the back”.

Or Hughes to Graham Gooch “would you like me to bowl a piano and see if you can play that.”

And Steve Waugh’s gem to Herschelle Gibbs “you’ve just dropped the World Cup”.

Come to think of it I’m probably less a fan of sledging and more a fan of quality banter.

I’m certainly not a fan of the absolute rubbish that went down between David Warner and Quinton de Kock in South Africa.

We will probably never know what was said between the pair during the game and the break in play.

It doesn’t matter what was said though because both players should have acted more appropriately.

If the reports are true and Warner was relentlessly sledging de Kock it should’ve stayed there on the field.

The afters, Warner’s “f***ing sook” comment and de Kock’s reply on the way to the dressing rooms, should never have happened.

There’s a big difference between sledging/banter when it refers to a mistimed shot or loose ball and the loutish behaviour of Warner and de Kock.

Maybe it’s time for more players to shut their mouths if they can’t be even remotely professional during or after play.

There’s nothing wrong with colour, character or passion.

But when it crosses the line – overshadowing what was a great victory by Australia it has to stop.

The fans and supporters of the game deserve better.