Justin Langer says sledging is important in cricket

Former Australian Test opener Justin Langer feels that sledging needs to be a part of modern day cricket, without which the game will lose its spice and will also be robbed off its aura of mysticism.
“Let’s make no bones about it: Test cricket can be a fierce affair,” Langer wrote in his column for the BBC.
“Cricket is a non-contact sport so in the heat of the moment words are often exchanged between different players. This is part of the contest.
“The game wouldn’t be the same if everyone was silent on field. I would be concerned if my team, no matter what colour cap we are wearing, were quiet throughout the course of a day’s play.
“I would see this as a sign of disinterest or lack of competitive edge that the best teams tend to display. It would be a sad day when emotion of a contest was taken away from the game,” Langer added.
Langer supported England coach Peter Moore’s views and sentiments on muting the stumps microphone during the course of play.
“I believe Moores was absolutely spot on with his assessment of stump microphones. If there is anything unsavoury happening in middle then I believe that is where it should be left; on the field.”