The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word SLEDGING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Winter sport/Aussie cricketers are famous for" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case winter sport/aussie cricketers are famous for = sledging.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SLEDGING mean?
SLEDGING verb- To hit with a sledgehammer.
- To drag or draw a sledge.
- To ride, travel with or transport in a sledge.
- To verbally insult or abuse an opponent in order to distract them (considered unsportsmanlike).
- The act of using a sledge to travel over snow.
- The act of using a sledgehammer to bend or crush an object.
- The practice of a fielder making insulting or comical references to an opposition batsman with the aim of distracting him