'Cricket,' the so called gentlemen's game.Â
The restoration of the English monarchy in the 17th century paved the way for sports like cricket to evolve.Â
The Nobility revered the game of cricket, as it fuelled countless opportunities to gamble - how fitting.
In light of the recent controversial bribery confession of Zimbabwean cricketing idol Brendan Taylor, this was a man who had not been paid in eight months. It's a tragic tale.
The red flag was there, yet Taylor and many before him couldn't resist the lure.
This is Part 1 of some of the most controversial moments in cricket history.
Let's dive into the underbelly of cricket.
1. Tony Greig's infamous quote (1976, number 11)
" But if they're down, they grovel, and I intend with the help of Closey and a few others to make them grovel..."
This ill-mannered quote from England Captain Tony Greig sparked a Fast-bowling dynasty.
Regarding his thoughts on the upcoming Test Series against the West Indies, Greig (a South African) used the term 'grovel' to describe the West Indian side when they're down. The timing from Greig was shocking as The Apartheid was still full steam in South Africa.
What happened next?
Captain Clive Lloyd spoke to the media, saying his players would "Go in for the kill" and won the series 3-0. Viv Richards made 829 runs from four Tests at 118.42, and opener Gordon Greenidge made 592 runs at 65.77.
For the bowlers, Andy Roberts took 28 wickets at 19.17, and 'Whispering Death' Michael Holding announced himself to the world with 28 wickets at 12.71, including a deadly spell to Brian Close, hitting him a dozen times.
