Australia's day of shame on the cricket pitch
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (357785)
Rockingham, Australia
July 7, 2025 7:13pm CST
We’ve been on two road trips recently, both quite short. Soon after we set off on the first one, we realised we had very little cash with us. The only pin number Vin could remember was for Bendigo Bank. We weren’t likely to need any cash but our small dilemma did solve the problem of where we should go next.
The nearest Bendigo Bank was in Kulin, home of the Tin Horse Highway which I’ve already written about. So off we went to Kulin. The photo brings to mind a sporting incident that is hugely shameful to most Australians.
In 1981, Australia and New Zealand were playing a One Day International cricket match. With one ball left to play, NZ needed a six to tie the match. Australia’s captain, Greg Chappell instructed his brother, Trevor, to bowl underarm along the ground. The batsman was unable to play the shot meaning Australia won. Although the manoeuvre was legal, it was seen as totally against the cricketing code of fair play. It caused a furore in the papers.
The image depicts the bowler (yellow) bowling underarm to the batter.
6 people like this
6 responses
@abhi_bangal (6725)
• Ahmednagar, India
11h
@JudyEv Chappell had certainly feared, what if the batsman hits for a six? Yes, Australia wouldn't have lost. But then they wouldn't have won either.
3 people like this
@abhi_bangal (6725)
• Ahmednagar, India
11h
Don't mind. But the Aussies were once called unfavorite champions. The Sydney Test against India... All know. Ponting claiming a catch in one match giving the player out, but standing his ground... There are a lot of examples.
They should play in the true spirit of the game. Be it any country.
2 people like this
@abhi_bangal (6725)
• Ahmednagar, India
5h
@JudyEv Very right. But not everyone thinks as you do.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (357785)
• Rockingham, Australia
5h
@abhi_bangal A lot of Australians thought the same on that day. It took long time to live it down.
1 person likes this
