One of the tenets of cricket is the expectation that players abide by the 'Spirit of the Game'.

Sledging - or verbal abuse between opponents to give it another name - has become increasingly commonplace over the years however.

And in can be particularly cutting...

 

Michael Clarke v Jimmy Anderson

During the recent Ashes series Australian skipper Michael Clarke warned England bowler Jimmy Anderson to "get ready for a broken f**king arm".

Unfortunately his outburst was recorded by a pitchside microphone, leading to a fine for the Aussie batsman.

 

Merv Hughes v Javed Miandad

In 1991, during a test match between Australia and Pakistan, Aussie fast bowler Merv Hughes was called a "big, fat bus conductor" by Javed Miandad.

However, notorious sledger Hughes had the last laugh by dismissing his rival and promptly roared out "Tickets please" as he ran past.

 

Daryll Cullinan v Shane Warne

One of the most famous incidents of sledging took place between South African batsman Daryll Cullinan and Australian bowler Shane Warne.

As the two passed each other at the wicket, Warne blurted out that he had been waiting two years for an opportunity to humiliate Cullinan. "Looks like you spent it eating," was the latter's reply.

 

Viv Richards v Greg Thomas

During a county game, Welsh bowler Greg Thomas was out-performing West Indies' Viv Richards. To rub it in, he reminded the batsman that the ball is "red, round and weighs about 5 ounces in case you were wondering."

When Thomas bowled again, Richards struck it perfectly - right into a nearby river. Turning to the bowler, Richards got plenty of satisfaction out of telling Greg: "You know what it looks like, now go and find it.”

 

Fred Trueman v Raman Subba Row

About 50 years ago, and in what you would assume to be more polite times, the batsman got a touch on an attempt by English bowler Fred Trueman.

However, the ball then went through the legs of Trueman's team-mate Raman Subba Row who apologized for not keep his legs closed. Trueman allegedly responded that Row's mother should have followed the same procedure.