5 instances when India gave a perfect reply to sledging
Sledging has almost become a part of strategy in modern cricket where teams deploy it to turn the match around. There have been many such instances among major teams in world cricket where we see a player trying to sledge the other at a crucial juncture in an important match.
The latest incident involving Ashwin and Anderson where both were a part of a heated argument in the 4th Test at Mumbai, brought back memories of some iconic sledging instances against Indian cricketers. Indians were not only unaffected by the instigation but also answered back in style through their performances. Here are 5 instances where Indian players gave a perfect reply to sledging:
#1 Sreesanth and Andre Nel
India’s tour of South Africa in 2001 was keenly anticipated by all cricket fans as it promised not only entertainment but also tough battles. It was the first Test and India put on a great show getting a lead of 165 runs from the first innings after they dismissed South Africa for a meagre 84 courtesy a five-wicket haul by Sreesanth. However, it was his aggressive act in the second innings that stole the limelight.
Sreesanth came out to bat when India was struggling at 219-9 and was involved in a conversation with Andre Nel who was bowling at that time. There were words exchanged between them and Nel tried to distract Sreesanth in order to clean up the Indian batting.
“I can smell blood. You do not have the guts,” said Nel. Showing his emblem on the shirt, Nel added, “I am playing for this. You are a scared fellow, rabbit. I will get you next ball.” What followed next was a historical moment which is etched in the memory of every Indian cricket fan.
Sreesanth made room on the very next ball and smashed Nel for a six over his head and followed that by a fashionable celebration. It was a memorable moment in the match which India won eventually by 123 runs.
