A history of cricket sledges... and our picks for the best unleashed in the Ashes

Simon Briggs Fri, 28 November 2025 at 6:00 am UTC·8 min read The Ashes were born in a cauldron of rage and resentment, otherwise known as the Oval Cricket Ground, on August 29, 1882. In what was only the ninth Test match ever played, that notorious cad and bounder WG Grace ran out Australia’s Sammy Jones when he wandered out of his crease – Jonny Bairstow style – to pat down a divot on the pitch.Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In reply, Australia’s most feared bowler – Frederick “The Demon” Spofforth – stormed into the England dressing room to announce: “This will lose you the match.” It was the first recorded sledge, and Spofforth lived up to his words as he claimed seven wickets,...