In our previous post, we talked about the Bodyline Tour on 1932/33. Following his super-human exploits in the 1930 Ashes tour where Don Bradman scored 974 runs, the English team, led by Douglas Jardine, came up with a tactics that was at once extremely controversial, but also successful – the Bodyline tactic.
Bodyline was a type of bowling that aimed short pitched fast bowling at the batsman’s body, and stacked the leg-side field with fieldsman to take any popped-up catches from batsmen just trying to not get hit.
At the end of two tests, Australia and England were one apiece. This post will complete the final three tests of that series.
Third Test, January 13 – 19, 1933, Adelaide
The third Test of the 1932/33 Ashes series was held at the Adelaide Oval from January 13 to 19, 1933. With the series tied at 1-1, both teams were under immense pressure to secure a victory. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and growing tension, as the Bodyline tactics employed by the English team had already stirred significant controversy.
England’s First Innings
England batted first, hoping to post a formidable total. Things did not start well, with the first four batsmen out for single figures, with opening bowler Tim Wall taking two of them. At 4/30, Australia would have been hoping to keep England down to 150 … 200 at the most.
But Maurice Leyland and Bob Wyatt had other things planned. Together, Leyland (83 off 190 balls) and Wyatt (78 off 176, including 3 sixes, which, during those days, were not common), put together a 156 run partnership.
Eddie Paynter State Library of NSW, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
When Leyland was out, bowled by Bill O’Reilly, Eddie Paynter came to the crease. The left hand batter (who would eventually play 20 tests, and average a very strong 59.23 for his career, and a mind-blowing 84.42 against the Australian’s in his 7 tests), kept the rest of the innings together, scoring 77 of 216 balls, and sharing in an important 96 run 8 wicket partnership with Hedley Verity (45 off 147 balls).
This was not fast paced cricket, but England’s 341 runs off 146.1 overs, was a far better result than there 4/30 start would suggest. Tim Wall, dismissed both Paynter and Verity, to give him figures of 5/72.
Australia’s First Innings
In response, Australia’s first innings was disappointing. They managed to score only 222 runs, well short of England’s total. Bill Ponsford was the lone bright spot, scoring 85 runs with a mix of patience and aggression. Bill Woodfull (22), Vic Richardson (28) also made starts, and Bert Oldfield was looking good with 41, before he was severely injured and retired hurt (more on that later).
Gubby Allen led the English attack with 4/71, while Harold Larwood continued to trouble the Australians, taking 3/55, including Don Bradman for 8, a second failure in three innings. The Australian batsmen struggled to cope with the sustained pressure and hostile bowling, reflecting the effectiveness of the Bodyline tactics.
England’s Second Innings
With a lead of 119, England just needed to bat sensibly to produce a commanding lead. While no one scored a century, 6 batsmen passed 40, allowing England to post 412 off 191.3 overs of torment for the Australian bowlers.
Captain and opener Douglas Jardine was one of the main players to pile the torture. His 56 took 266 balls, and ground the Australian’s into the Adelaide dirt. Helping him were Bob Wyatt (49 off 138) and Wally Hammond (85 off 247).
Wally Hammond, 1930 [1], Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Having curtailed the best that Australia’s bowlers could bowl his way, it is perhaps ironic that Hammond was eventually bowled by Don Bradman. This was the second and last test wicket that Bradman would ever pick up, and in case you wanted to know, the other one was Ivan Barrow, the West Indian wicketkeeper, in a test in 1930. (It was LBW.)
Bradman’s bowling heroics aside, this was England’s innings. Maurice Leyland (42 off 93), Les Ames (69 off 173) and Hedley Verity (40 off 131) continued to turn the screws.
Bill O’Reilly was the most successful Australian bowler, taking 4/79 (off 50.3 overs), while Bert Ironmonger chipped in with 3/87 (from 57 overs).
England’s commanding total set Australia an imposing target of 532, with the match well and truly beyond Australia’s reach, unless Don Bradman could come up with an innings to match and beat some of his greatest innings ever.
Australia’s Second Innings
Australia’s second innings was marked by two batsmen battling against Bodyline in two different ways. Don Bradman did produce a spirited innings, but it wasn’t enough. His 66 came off just 71 balls, with 10 fours and 1 six, as he attacked the bowling. That six is an interesting aberration for Don Bradman, because as prolific and quick scorer as Bradman was, he only ever hit 6 sixes in his entire career, as he followed the adage that you can’t be caught if you don’t hit in the air.
Bill Woodfull, on the other hand, fought hard for his runs. His 73 came off 208 balls, and he only hit 2 fours. He batted throughout the entire innings without being dismissed.
Beyond those two, only Vic Richardson (21) and the extras (12) hit double figures. Bert Oldfield didn’t bat, and Australia fell for 193.
Harold Larwood once again proved his mettle, taking 4/71, while Gubby Allen complemented him with 4/50. England won by 338 runs.
Controversies and Tensions
Bert Oldfield staggers away with his skull fractured. Unknown source, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The third Test was not without its share of controversies and dramatic moments. One of the most significant incidents was the injury to Bert Oldfield, who was struck on the head by a Larwood bouncer. The impact fractured Oldfield’s skull, intensifying the outrage against Bodyline tactics. The Australian crowd reacted vehemently, and the tensions between the two teams escalated.
The incident highlighted the dangerous nature of Bodyline bowling and fueled the ongoing debate about its legitimacy and sportsmanship. The atmosphere at the Adelaide Oval was charged with emotion, and the relationship between the players and the cricket boards of both countries became increasingly strained.
Fourth Test, February 10-16, 1933, Brisbane
The fourth Test of the 1932/33 Ashes series, held at the Brisbane Cricket Ground from February 10 to 16, 1933, was crucial for both teams. With England leading the series 2-1, Australia needed a win to level the series and keep their hopes alive. The tension surrounding the series had reached a peak, especially after the controversies in the third Test, including Bert Oldfield’s injury from a short pitched delivery. The Brisbane Test was expected to be fiercely contested, with both teams determined to assert their dominance.
Australia’s First Innings
Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. Their innings began well, with their first three batsmen passing 70. Vic Richardson, going up to opener, scored 83 off 146 balls, Bill Woodfull scored 67 off 232 balls, while Don Bradman was bowled by Larwood for 76 off 138 balls.
While these were good scores, the Australian batsmen (and Don Bradman in particular), would have been disappointed that not one of those three passed 100. But even so, with the second wicket falling at 200, it seemed Australia had adjusted to the Bodyline tactic well for this innings.
However, the rest of the innings would be a case of missed opportunities. The next 4 batsmen, Stan McCabe (20), Bill Ponsford (19), Len Darling (17) and Ernie Bromley (26) made starts but couldn’t go one, and a score that could have been 450+ ended up being only 340.
Harold Larwood, continuing his formidable form, took 4/101. His pace and accuracy were crucial in breaking crucial partnerships and limiting Australia’s total.
England’s First Innings
England responded with a solid batting performance, and yet, some of the same issues that affected Australia’s batsmen also affected theirs.
That is, batsmen who scored 70, 80+ not scoring centuries, and a plethora of batsmen making starts but not really going on with it. England’s top 10 batsmen all passed 10, with seven scores between 12 and 23. Douglas Jardine (46 off 191), Herbert Sutcliffe (86 off 244) and Eddie Paynter (83 off 218) scoring well, but not passing 100.
England finished with 356 from 185.4 overs. Bill O’Reilly took 4/120 from 67.4 overs, and Bert Ironmonger claimed 3/69.
Australia’s Second Innings
16 runs behind, Australia were well placed in the match, so long as they could find some good partnerships. Vic Richardson and Bill Woodfull started well, with a 46 run opening partnership, and when Don Bradman was 24 off his first 30 balls, Australia were looking good at 1/79.
However, Don Bradman’s 31st ball, bowled by Larwood, ended in the hands of Tommy Mitchell, and when Bill Ponsford was out for a duck, and Bill Woodfull for a hard-fought 19 off 105 balls, Australia were now 4/91.
Stan McCabe (22 off 75) and Ernie Bromley (39 off 80) put together the promise of an important partnership, before McCabe was bowled by Hedley Verity with the score on 136.
The rest of the wickets didn’t add too many runs, with Australia falling for 175, leaving a chase of only 160 runs.
Gubby Allen, 1933 [1], Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The English bowlers, led by Gubby Allen (3/44) and Harold Larwood (3/49), maintained relentless pressure.
The Australian batsmen’s struggles against the English bowling attack underscored the effectiveness of the Bodyline tactics and the mental challenge posed by facing such aggressive bowling.
England’s Second Innings
Chasing a target of 160 runs, England’s second innings was marked by a confident and decisive performance. Maurice Leyland played a pivotal role, scoring an unbeaten 86 runs. His calm and composed approach ensured that England steadily closed in on the target without undue pressure.
England reached 4 wickets for 162 runs, securing a six-wicket victory and clinching the series with a 3-1 lead.
Controversies and Key Moments
Harold Larwood’s aggressive bowling, while effective, drew ire from the Australian public and media. The physical and psychological toll on the Australian batsmen was evident, and the tension between the teams remained palpable.
One significant incident was the injury scare involving Don Bradman, who narrowly avoided serious harm from a Larwood delivery. This close call further fuelled the controversy surrounding Bodyline, with calls for changes to the laws of cricket to ensure player safety.
Fifth Test, February 23-28, 1933, Sydney
The fifth and final Test of the 1932/33 Ashes series was held at the Sydney Cricket Ground from February 23 to 28, 1933. With England having already secured the series with a 3-1 lead, the pressure was on Australia to restore some pride by winning the final Test. The series had been marred by the controversy surrounding Bodyline tactics.
The tactic had not only sparked a diplomatic row but had also led to significant tension between the players and the cricketing boards of the two countries. As the teams prepared for the final encounter, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation and unresolved animosities.
Australia’s First Innings
Australia won the toss and chose to bat first. The innings was marked by solid contributions from several key players. Six players passed 40, but none scored a century. Don Bradman (48 off 56), Leo O’Brien (61 off 88), Stan McCabe (73 off 129), Len Darling (85 off 129), Bert Oldfield (52 off 96) and Perker Lee (42 off 44) all made valuable contributions to the final total of 435.
There was clearly a mandate to be attacking, as the 435 runs came off 108.2 overs, meaning a run rate of 4.01 runs an over. Australia’s batsmen were particularly savage on Gubby Allen, his 25 overs producing 128 runs for only 1 wicket.
On the other hand, Harold Larwood (4/98) and Hedley Verity (3/62) were still able to get amongst the wickets and looked dangerous.
England’s First Innings
England’s response was robust, as they scored 454 runs, narrowly surpassing Australia’s total. Wally Hammond led the charge with a century, scoring 101 runs off 205 balls. Harold Larwood, showcasing his all-round capabilities, played a crucial innings of 98 runs from 148 balls, just missing out on a century. Herbert Sutcliffe and Bob Wyatt also made significant contributions, with 56 (off 137 balls) and 51 runs (off 196 balls), respectively.
The Australian bowlers worked tirelessly to contain the English batsmen. As had happened many times during the tour, Australia bowled a lot of overs – this time, 171.2 overs. Perker Lee was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4/111, while Bill O’Reilly supported him well with 3/100. Despite their efforts, England managed to secure a first-innings lead of 19 runs, setting the stage for an intriguing contest …
Australia’s Second Innings
… Or, at least, it would have been intriguing if more than just two Australian batsmen played innings of note. The innings started badly, with Vic Richardson getting his second duck of the test.
But then there was hope. Bill Woodfull, playing conservatively against the Bodyline bowling, and Don Bradman playing aggressively, put together a partnership of 115, before Bradman was bowled by Verity for a fast-scoring 71 off 69 balls.
Hedley Verity continued in his wicket-taking ways, eventually taking 5/33 as the Australian innings fell apart. Bill Woodful was 7th out for 67 off 168 balls, but only one other batsman passed 10, as Australia were dismissed for 182, leaving England needing only 164 to take the series 4-1.
England’s Second Innings
England were never in trouble, except for a fleeting period were the first two wickets fell, to Bert Ironmonger, with the score on 43 runs.
But opener Bob Wyatt, and Wally Hammond, took England to the finish line, scoring 61 off 215 balls and 75 runs off 140 balls respectively.
Legacy and Impact
The fifth Test at Sydney concluded the Bodyline series, a series that would go down in history for its intensity and controversy. England’s victory in the series demonstrated the effectiveness of their tactics, but it also led to significant changes in the laws of cricket to prevent such aggressive strategies in the future.
The diplomatic tensions and the physical dangers posed by Bodyline prompted the cricketing authorities to revise the rules, emphasizing the spirit of the game and player safety.
Reactions and Controversy
The Bodyline tactics employed by the English team during the 1932/33 Ashes series evoked strong reactions from the Australian players. Don Bradman, the primary target of the Bodyline strategy, expressed his disapproval both on and off the field. He was particularly critical of the intimidating and dangerous nature of the short-pitched deliveries aimed at the batsmen’s bodies.
Captain Bill Woodfull famously remarked, “There are two teams out there; one is playing cricket, the other is not.” This sentiment reflected the general disdain among the Australian players, who viewed Bodyline as unsporting and against the spirit of the game.
The media coverage of the Bodyline series was also intense and polarized. In Australia, newspapers condemned the tactics as brutal and unsporting. Headlines such as “This is not cricket” captured the national outrage, and editorials called for the immediate cessation of such dangerous tactics.
The Australian public echoed these sentiments, expressing their displeasure through protests and vocal support for their players.
In contrast, the English media were more divided. While some praised the tactical brilliance of Jardine and his team, others criticized the methods as overly aggressive and damaging to the integrity of the sport.
The Bodyline series significantly strained diplomatic relations between Australia and England. The Australian Cricket Board lodged official protests with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the governing body of English cricket, demanding an end to Bodyline tactics.
The controversy escalated to the point where the Australian Prime Minister, Joseph Lyons, and his British counterpart, Ramsay MacDonald, exchanged diplomatic communications to address the issue.
This diplomatic intervention underscored the seriousness of the situation and the potential long-term impact on Anglo-Australian relations. The series prompted a re-evaluation of cricketing laws to ensure the safety of players and uphold the spirit of the game.
Impact on the Game of Cricket
The Bodyline series had a profound impact on cricket, leading to significant changes in the laws and regulations governing the game. In response to the dangerous and controversial tactics used by England, the International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced new rules to curb intimidatory bowling.
One of the most immediate changes was the restriction on the number of fielders allowed behind square on the leg side, effectively limiting the leg-side field placements that were critical to Bodyline tactics.
Additionally, the ICC implemented stricter regulations on short-pitched deliveries aimed at the batsman’s body, ensuring that the safety of players was prioritized and the spirit of the game was upheld.
While Bodyline was condemned for its aggressive nature, it undeniably influenced the evolution of bowling tactics in cricket. The series demonstrated the effectiveness of strategic, short-pitched fast bowling in disrupting batsmen, leading future bowlers to incorporate these elements into their repertoire, albeit within the confines of the new rules.
The concept of using pace and bounce to intimidate and unnerve batsmen became a more refined art, contributing to the development of hostile bowling spells by fast bowlers in subsequent decades.
Ultimately, the legacy of Bodyline lies in its lasting influence on the strategic depth of bowling, where intimidation and psychological pressure became integral components of a bowler’s arsenal, forever altering the dynamics between bat and ball in cricket.