By IANS
Melbourne : Former Australian tennis star Pat Cash says sledging only makes a contest an even tougher mental battle.
The 1987 Wimbledon champion endorsed sledging by lashing out at fellow Sport Australia Hall of Fame members John Bertrand, Herb Elliott and Robert de Castella over attempts to stop Australia’s cricketers from sledging opponents.
Cash said he was appalled to receive a letter from Bertrand – endorsed by Elliott and de Castella – “assuming they could rely on my support in the campaign to banish sledging”.
Writing in London’s Sunday Times, Cash rounded on the celebrated Australian trio.
“Things have got out of hand, but these three legends are out of touch with reality to think they should be doing anything or, worse still, ask me to help,” he said.
“I sledged opponents. I was not too complimentary to Sweden’s Mikael Pernfors in the 1986 Davis Cup final as I tried to get a psychological upper hand and I once said something to Boris Becker on the Centre Court of Wimbledon that doesn’t exactly make me proud.
“But in these professional days, with huge money and media attention, winning is the most important thing and I don’t see that changing any time soon. Perhaps the Hall of Fame members are mellowing in old age. But if they pursue this, they would have to remove the names of such stars as Steve Waugh and John Newcombe. And scrub me out.”
Bertrand, Elliott and de Castella were angered by the behaviour of Ricky Ponting’s team during the second Test in Sydney last week.
After Australia’s controversial win against India, Bertrand said: “Sport is only sport. It’s not war.
“Both Rob and Herb feel very strongly about this issue.
“We will be seeking a meeting with Cricket Australia to seek to get the Australian team to readjust their behaviour so that they do show respect for their opponents.”
Cash said he was “as proud as can be about my nation’s sporting heritage”.
“I did my bit as part of two Davis Cup-winning teams and I still support with a passion any team that represents my country,” he said.