Brearley suggests 'eye-contact' in place of 'boorish sledging' prevalent in cricket

Former England captain Mike Brearley has said that there is no need for sledging in his opinion and that the great West Indian fast bowlers said nothing to the batsmen on the field.

According to News.com.au, delivering the 11th Bradman Oration in Melbourne on Wednesday night, Brearley strongly criticised the practice of sledging, which he described as a boorish expression of contempt.

He said that the West Indian bowlers did not have the need to sledge, firstly because of their superlative ability and secondly, because they were quite able to convey menace by eye contact and strut.

Brearley, a brilliant captain and modest opening batsman, said a glance from the fearsome West Indian paceman Andy Roberts at the breakfast buffet was intimidation enough.

However, in a wide-ranging speech on the subject 'What is the point of sport, and cricket in particular', Brearley remained an advocate for playing the game in a fiercely competitive manner, the report said.