I disagree.. I don't think it was ever originally intended to be part of the game to comment derogatively about a persons appearance or ***ual preference just so they nick the next ball. Fine line between encouraging the bowler and insulting the batsman.
I've had experiences where I'm half way through congratulating a bowler on the excellence of a delivery when I get a mouthfull a crap spat in my face by the bowler & the slips. It just isn't a fun way to spend your day.
Likewise the original niceties of cricket have died off.. ie "Good shot mate" when you get hit to the boundary.. or "well batted" when you get someone out not a big "F*** Y**" and screaming like an idiot in some z grade match where nothing is at stake.
It just brings the game down for everyone. By all means have a laugh but not at the expense of having fun.
You are right, but only to a certain extent. It may not have been intended to be a part of the game, but guess what? In some cases it has. Okay, yes, it is degrading and disappointing when it is said out of hatred to actually put someone down, insult them and throw them off target, especially in your case where you were complimenting the bowler. However, I believe there is a certain context of the game (for example, mine) where it is okay to throw in the odd comment for reasons that I have previously discussed with others who share your opinion.
Firstly, we all know each other in our comp. We expect to receive comments from other players we have a laugh about it, then go out there and give it right back to them. We enjoy it and in our small comp there is no need to take the game so seriously.
Secondly, a joke is a joke. If we see a batsmen is taking it to heart or we accidently cross a line, we back right off and give him his space. I, nor my team, are out to hurt anyone's feelings, just to enjoy the game a bit more.
Thirdly, I disagree completely with the 'niceties of cricket'. They have not disappeared at all. It is quite common to hear compliments between teams both on and off the field. Being a wicket keeper, I love having a chat to the batsmen and telling him that kind of stuff, like he timed that last one really well.
Fourthly, I never have, and hope I never have to resort to saying such comments as F*** Y**. That is just unsportsmanlike and totally against the spirit of the game.
I'm not sure if you said it but someone else mentioned sledging is for people who can't play cricket. What about the greats such as Allen Border and Shane Warne? Are you saying they can't play cricket? But they were just two of the best sledgers I've ever heard.
Sledging can bring the game down for everyone, that is why you need to think about what ur about to say and the context you are about to say it in.
I think i've just about covered it all...
