Ian Botham Imran Khan Brian Lara WG Grace Gary Sobers Don Bradman



Results | Full List of Matches

100 great matches of the century
The List in Full

  1. 1st Test: New Zealand v West Indies at Hamilton, 16-20 Dec 1999 When West Indies stand at 276/0 towards the end of the first day, a nine wicket New Zealand win looks most unlikely. Vettori with 4 wickets well supported by Cairns and Nash initiates a collapse to 365 all out, and, thanks to a rapid 72 from Cairns, New Zealand takes a first innings lead. On the fourth day, West Indies lose their first three wickets for 1 run, but rain intervenes with them 66/4. Nothing can stop Cairns on the final day, however, as his 7/27 blasts the West Indies out for 97, and New Zealand cruise to victory.

  2. Derbyshire v Hampshire County Ground, Derby 15,16,17,18 September 1999 A first - Derby and Hampshire battle to determine who will be in the first division of the County Championship next year, the end of the single division championship. Hampshire win by 2 runs after three declarations.

  3. 2nd Semi-Final: Australia v South Africa at Birmingham, 17 June 1999 The most exciting World Cup match ever? South Africa needing just one to win in the last over, and Donald run out going for the winning run, with a place in the final at stake...

  4. 1998-99 Ranji final Karnataka v Madhya Pradesh; Karnataka win from the 5th ball of the final possible over.

  5. 1st Test: India v Pakistan at Chennai, 28 Jan - 1 Feb 1999 A great Test Match, decided by just 12 runs. Kumble and Saqlain take the bowling honours in the 1st innings. Shahid Afridi's 141 sets India a difficult target. Tendulkar's superb century sees India fall just short in the 4th innings in a nail-biting finish.

  6. 3rd Test: West Indies v Australia at Bridgetown, 26-30 Mar 1999 A 1 wicket win by West Indies. 199 from Waugh, 104 from Ponting sees Australia score nearly 500 an apparently unbeatable position. Campbell scores a century but WI trail by 161 on first innings. Great bowling by Walsh leaves WI 308 to win which they reach thanks to a phenomenal century from Lara after losing 5 wickets for 105.

  7. 4th Test: England v Australia at Melbourne, 26-30 Dec 1998 A (rare) 12 run win for England. After losing the first day to rain, only Stewart and Ramprakash withstand McGrath and MacGill. Australia lead by 70 on 1st innings thanks to Steve Waugh's hundred - Gough with 5 wickets. Hick helps England set an apparently easy target of 175, but Headley takes 6-60 as Australia sensationally lose their last 7 wickets for 12 runs.

  8. England v Sri Lanka at the Oval Sri Lanka's first away win against England. 7 wickets for Murali, but Hick and Crawley make big hundreds as England reach an apparently impregnable 445 - impregnable until Jayasuriya makes an astonishing double hundred, backed up by 150 from De Silva. Sri Lanka make 591, then Muralitharan takes over, taking 9/65, the other wicket falling to a run-out.

  9. 3rd Test: India v Australia at Bangalore, 25-28 March 1998 Brilliant batting by SRT leads India to a 400+ first innings total, nearly matched by Australia after 91 from Slater and 153 from M Waugh. Kasprowicz takes 5/39 and Australia cruise to an unlikely 8 wicket victory, thanks to Taylor's century.

  10. Pak-RSA 3rd Test 1997-98 RSA take a rare series win in Pakistan. Symcox makes 80 as in partnership with Kirsten they recover from 98/7. Kirsten carries his bat with 100. Inzi and Moin Khan see Pakistan to a comfortable 1st innings lead, and Mushtaq Ahmed's bowling means Pakistan need only 146 to win. Inspired bowling from Pollock and Symcox takes South Africa to an unexpected victory.

  11. Final #3: India v Pakistan at Dhaka, 18 Jan 1998 The deciding match of the Silver Jubilee Independence Cup. 140 from Saeed Anwar, and Ijaz Ahmed as Pakistan put the Indian attack to the sword. India are set an unprecendented 315 to win. Tendulkar makes 41 from 26 balls, Ganguly a fine century, and India squeak home from the penultimate ball.

  12. 6th TEST: England v Australia at The Oval, 21-23 Aug 1997 A thrilling consolation victory for England. McGrath takes 7-76 after England fold for 180, but Tuffnell keeps England in the match with 7/76, restricting Australia to a narrow lead. Kasprowicz takes 7/36 and Australia appear to have an easy task with only 124 required. Caddick and Tuffnell combine to give England a most unlikely 19 run win.

  13. 1st TEST: Zimbabwe v England at Bulawayo (QSC), 18-22 Dec 1996 A slow start leads to a thrilling finish, the first Test drawn with the scores level. Andy Flower's century takes Zimbabwe to a good 1st innings total, Hussian and Crawley reply with centuries to give England a narrow lead. Zimbabwe falter against Tuffnell, but Waller and Whittall resist, leaving England just 37 overs to make 205 to win. A valiant effort led by Knight is countered by a widespread field and bowling wide of the stumps, and England need 3 off the final ball, Knight is run out going for the 3rd run.

  14. 3rd Test: England v South Africa at Manchester, 2-6 July 1998 South Africa take over two days to make 552/5d with Kirsten making a double, Kallis 132. England look set for certain defeat as they follow on, but Atherton and Stewart put on over 200. Quick wickets have England on the brink of defeat but in a tense final hour brave batting by Croft, Gough and Fraser salvages a draw.

  15. Hong Kong Sixes, 1997, England v Pakistan, Cup Final 28 September 1997 Pakistan won by 3 wickets - England well on top on the Hong Kong slog-fest until the final over, when with 22 needed, Zahoor Elahi hits 4,4,6,4 from consecutive balls.

  16. Sheffield Shield Final, 1995-96, South Australia v Western Australia, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide 30 March - 3 April 1996 A thrilling Shield final, maybe the best. Jamie Siddons bats for 166 minutes for 4, South Australia's final pair hang on for a draw to give them the Shield, after a thunderous century from Gilchrist puts WA well on top.

  17. West Indies v Australia at Sydney, 1 Jan 1996 Australia v West Indies WSC match at the SCG - New Year's Day 1996 - last-ball 4 by Bevan to win, both sides making amazing recoveries from huge holes (Aus from 38/6 and 74/7, WI from 54/5)

  18. 2nd Test: India Women v England Women at Jamshedpur, 24-27 November 1995: One of the clesest finishes in women's Test. England concede a first innings lead to India, then David takes a remarkable 8/53, leaving India just 128 to win. A fine bowling performance by England makes them fight all the way, but at 124/8 India seemed to have won. The last 2 wickets fall for one run, however, as Sangita is run out and Chamberlain traps Laya lbw. England women's game they won by 2 runs was actually v India, at Jamshedpur in 1995.

  19. Pakistan v Sri Lanka at Nairobi Gymkhana, 4 Oct 1996 "The Afridi game" - Nairobi 1996-97, Pak-Sl, Afridi 100 off 37, Anwar ton, then SL chase for 290 (and not Pak's actual 371) to make the final - missed by 1 run with Pakistan taking 2 wickets at the death.

  20. Wills World Cup, 1995/96, 2nd Quarter Final India v Pakistan India Pakistan matches are always tense, no more so than when a WC semi-final is on the line. Sidhu is India's batting star as he guides them to a good total (helped by Jadeja's hitting), and then Pakistan, without injured Wasim Akram, cannot keep up the run rate against Prasad and Kumble.

  21. Wills World Cup, 1995/96, 2nd Semi Final Australia v West Indies 5 runs separate the two teams in a tense World Cup semi. Australia recover from 15/4 thanks to Law and Bevan. Chanderpaul and Lara give WI a good start, but captain Richardson at the non-striker's end watches helplessly as wicket tumble to Warne.

  22. 4th TEST: Australia v West Indies at Adelaide, 23-26 Jan 1993 One of the closest of all Tests as WI win by a single run. Hughes takes 5 wickets as WI are restricted to 252, but Ambrose takes 6 to give WI a first innings lead. Tim May takes an astonishing 5 for 9, leaving Australia 186 to win, and then makes 42* as his last wicket partnership with McDermott takes them to the brink of victory.

  23. Shell Trophy, Canterbury v Wellington, Lancaster Park, Christchurch, 11-14 Feb 1995 Runs galore. Four totals between 475 and 500, only 16 wickets, 7 centuries and Wellington make 475 to win in the 4th innings.

  24. 2nd TEST: Australia v South Africa at Sydney, 2-6 Jan 1994 - RSA win by 5 runs. Warne takes 7 as RSA make just 169 after being asked to bat. Slater leads Australia to 292, then Warne takes another 5 giving Australia just 117 to win. Inspired bowling from de Villiers and Donald gives South Africa victory.

  25. Sri Lanka v Australia, 1992/93, 1st Test Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo 17-22 August 1992 Healy takes Australia to a reasonable 1st innings total, but centuries from Gurusinha, Ranatunga, and Kaluwitharana give SL a 500+ total and a big lead. Australia make 471 with everyone contributing - highest score 68, and SL need 181. After a good start, SL lose their last 8 wickets for 47, and Australia win by 15 runs.

  26. World Cup, 1991/92, 1st Semi Final New Zealand v Pakistan Eden Park, Auckland 21 March 1992 Crowe's 91 seemed to have given NZ a place in the World Cup final, but Inzamam-ul-Haq's 60 off 37 balls sees Pakistan home with an over to spare.

  27. World Cup, 1991/92, 2nd Semi Final, England v South Africa, Sydney Cricket Ground 22 March 1992 A famous or infamous match that resulted eventually in improved rain rules. A fine innings by Hick gave England a good total, and a very close finish was in prospect. Rain interrupted play after 5 balls of the 42nd over, 2 overs were lost, the target remained unchanged, and South Africa were left the absurd task of 22 runs off one ball.

  28. World Cup, 1991/92, 12th Match Australia v India Brisbane Cricket Ground, Woolloongabba, Brisbane 1 March 1992 Dean Jones' 90 leads Australia to 237, rain intervenes and India lose by 1 run as Raju is run out from the last ball of the last over after Azhar's 93.

  29. Benson & Hedges World Series, 1991/92, 1st Match India v West Indies W.A.C.A. Ground, Perth 6 December 1991 A tie in a match dominated by the bowlers. Marshall takes 2/9 from 8.4 overs, and Shastri top scores with 33 from 110 balls. West Indies need 127 to win, but fall just short, as Tendulkar takes the final wicket with the scores level.

  30. Sheffield Shield, 1991-92 South Australia v Queensland Adelaide Oval, Adelaide 7-10 February 1992 South Australia out for 133 in their first innings are set 506 to win - and do it, thanks to Hilditch, Blewett, Siddons and Sleep.

  31. World Cup, 1987/88, 3rd Match India v Australia, Group A M.A.Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Madras 9 October 1987 Australia win by a single run. Marsh makes 110, but Srikkanth and Sidhu take india to 207/2 before McDermott breaks through. Panic and run outs at the close as India are all out with one ball to go.

  32. India v Australia, 1986/87, 1st Test M.A.Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Madras 18-22 September 1986 The 2nd tied Test. A slow start to the game, as Australia build a big total, Jones with a double century, Boon and Border with centuries. India trail on first innings, but the game is set alive by Border's declaration, setting India 348 to win, and a thrilling climax.

  33. Australasia Cup, 1985/86, Final India v Pakistan Sharjah C.A. Stadium 18 April 1986 Set a target of 246 wickets kept tumbling for Pakistan, with Javed Miandad steady at one end. With 5 runs needed in the last 2 balls and the last batsman facing, Tauseef Ahmed took one run, giving Miandad the last ball and 4 runs to win. He smashed it for a 6 and Pakistan were home.

  34. 1985-86 Sheffield Shield final NSW v Qld. NSW hang on grimly 8 down to draw, 18 runs short of the win but secure the title.

  35. NW FINAL: Essex v Nottinghamshire at Lord's, 7 Sep 1985 Essex won by 1 run. Gooch and Hardie put on 202 for the 1st wicket, but Notts get oh so close to their 280 total. The best NWT/Gillette final.

  36. India v Pakistan at Sharjah, 22 Mar 1985 India looked down and out at 125 all out after Imran took 6/14. Azhar scored 47, Kapil scored 30, Imran getting Shastri with the first ball of the game. Pakistan were cruising along at 37/1 in 7 overs when Gavaskar took a spectacular catch to dismiss Mudassar - he ended up with 4 catches and Pakistan folded - all out 87.
  37. 3rd TEST: New Zealand v Pakistan at Dunedin, 9-14 Feb 1985 NZ win by 2 wickets in a close finish. 6 wickets for Hadlee and 96 for Qasim Umar as Pakistan bat first, then a young Wasim Akram makes his mark with 5 wickets. Only Qasim Umar resists a fine NZ attack, as NZ are set 278 to win. At 23/4 the game seems set for an early finish, but Crowe and Coney come to the rescue. When Crowe is out, quick wickets fall, and then Lance Cairns is hospitalised with a suspected hairline fracture of the skull, with 80 still remaining for victory. Chatfield makes his highest ever first-class score and stays with Coney (111*) to complete an unlikely victory.

  38. 2nd TEST: England v West Indies at Lord's, 28 Jun-3 Jul 1984 Broad on his debut and Fowler get England off to a good start, but Marshall keeps them under 300. Botham stars with the ball, taking 8/103 and giving England a 1st innings lead despite Richard's fiery 72. Lamb's century and Botham's 81 allows Gower to set West Indies what seems to be a tough target, 342 runs in just over a day. Sensational batting by Greenidge accompanied by a more sedate Gomes gives them a 9 wicket victory. Lord's is set alight by Greenidge's strokeplay as he completes a double century.

  39. FINAL: India v West Indies at Lord's, 25 Jun 1983 The greatest match in India's cricketing history, as the little fancied Indians topple the apparently unbeatable West Indies. India make a meagre 183, with Srikkanth top scoring with 38, but the un-heralded medium pace of Madan Lal, Binny and Amarnath gives India a famous victory.

  40. World Cup, 1983, India v Zimbabwe, Tunbridge Wells, 18 June 1983 Tunbridge Wells has rarely seen anything like this. India look to continue their dismal World Cup run by losing to Zimbabwe, yet to attain test status. Rawson rips through the top order, SMG and Srikkanth falling for ducks and India's World Cup dreams are in tatters as they are 17 for 5. This brings their captain Kapil Dev to the wicket, who hits the Zimbabwe bowling to all corners of the small Nevill Ground, making 175* in all, and adding 126 for the 9th wicket with Kirmani. The Zimbabweans, shell shocked, pace their innings poorly, and despite 73 from Curran, lose by 35 runs.

  41. 1st TEST: England v India at Lord's, 10-15 Jun 1982 England make a fine recovery from 37/3 and 96/4 thanks to Randall's century, supported by Botham and Edmonds. India follow on as only Kapil Dev and Gavaskar reach double figures and Botham takes 5 wickets. A magnificent 157 from Vengsarkar is followed by Kapil Dev's 89 off 55 balls, as India avoid an innings defeat (Willis with 8 wickets). Kapil Dev is on fire as he takes the first three wickets for 18 runs, but Lamb and Gower see England home.

  42. WSC: 3rd FINAL: Australia v New Zealand at Melbourne, 1 Feb 1981 Maybe not a great match, but a memorable one. Greg Chappell made a fine 90, but refused to walk after Snedden appeared to have caught him when on 52. Neither umpire was watching, and he batted on. Edgar and Wright were in fine form, Edgar going on to complete a century, and the last over started with 15 needed. Hadlee hit the first ball for 4, was lbw to the second. Smith took twos off ball 3 and 4, and was bowled by the 5th. McKechnie came to the wicket with 6 required, and Greg Chappell instructed his brother Trevor to bowl the final ball underarm, rolling along the ground. Australia won by 6 runs, but lost the respect of many.

  43. 4th TEST: England v Australia at Birmingham, 30 Jul-2 Aug 1981 Lightning strikes twice for England in consecutive matches. Alderman takes 5 wickets as England's batsman struggle, then captain Hughes helps his side to a handy first innings lead. England do marginally better in the 2nd innings, spinner Bright taking 5 wickets, but Australia need only 143 to win. At 105/4 the match seems over until Brearley brings on Botham to allow his spinners to change ends. Botham takes 5 wickets for 1 run and Australia are beaten again.

  44. 3rd TEST: England v Australia at Leeds, 16-21 Jul 1981 A match that defied logic and belief started slowly. Australia built a total of over 400 over most of two days, thanks to Dyson's century. England batted poorly, with only Botham's 50 providing resistance to Lillee, Alderman and Lawson. Following on, the match seemed over as they fell to 135/7 still 92 behind. Botham, well supported by Dilley and Old, launched a stunning counter-attack, making 149*. Australia needed only 130, but an inspired spell of very quick bowling by Willis saw them all out for 111, Willis taking 8/43.

  45. 3rd TEST: Australia v India at Melbourne, 7-11 Feb 1981 Australia build an apparently unbeatable position as Border's century takes them to a big first innings lead, and Lillee takes 4 wickets in each Indian innings. Needing just 143, Kapil Dev's inspired bowling sees them all out for 83.

  46. New Zealand v West Indies, 1979/80, 1st Test Carisbrook, Dunedin 8-13 February 1980 Brilliant bowling by Hadlee has WI all out 140, and then he top scores with 51 as NZ take a 1st innings lead. Haynes makes a brave hundred as Hadlee takes 6 more wickets and then Holding, Croft and Garner take WI to the brink of an unlikely victory, as New Zealand's last pair make the final 4 runs.

  47. England v India, 1979, 4th Test Kennington Oval, London 30 August -4 September 1979 A great Test, eventually drawn but with all four results possible in the closing overs. Gooch top-scored in England's 1st innings, during which Botham completed the double of 1000 runs and 100 wickets in only his 21st Test. He followed this with 4 wickets as India batted poorly, and then a dogged century by Boycott allowed Brearley to declare, setting India a mammoth 438 in 500 minutes. A wonderful innings by Gavaskar set them on their way, putting on over 200 with Chauhan before the first wicket fell. Vengsarkar provided further support and with 20 overs left India needed only 110 with 9 wickets left. Botham transformed the match with a catch, a run out and 3 wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Gavaskar for 221. When the final over started India needed 15 runs, but with only two wickets remaining, the match finished in an enthralling draw.

  48. 1st TEST: Australia v Pakistan at Melbourne, 10-15 Mar 1979 Hogg and Hurst put Australia in a strong position by dismissing Pakistan for 196, but Imran and Safraz respond, and Australia trail on the first innings. Majid makes a majestic century, and Pakistan set Australia a big 4th innings target. Australia make steady progress, Border and Hughes taking them to 305/4 but then Safraz Nawaz strikes with one of the great spells in cricket history, taking 7 wickets for 1 run in 33 balls. Safraz takes 9/86, the other batsman being run out.

  49. WSC World v WSC WI, 2nd Supertest, VFL Park, 1978/79 One of the strongest XIs ever fielded demolishes the much heralded West Indians. Asif Iqbal's hundred is the highlight of a batting line up that features Richards, Majid, Zaheer, Javed Miandad, Rice, Procter and Imran, and the powerful West Indies bats cannot cope with an equally strong bowling attack.

  50. 5th TEST: Australia v India at Adelaide, 28 Jan-3 Feb 1978 The deciding match in a fine series, Australia made over 500 with centuries from Yallop and Simpson, and Jeff Thompson took two quick wickets before injury prevented him bowling any further in the match. Vishwanath top-scored but Simpson chose not to enforce the follow-on, and India were eventually set 493 to win. All the Indian top order contributed as they advanced to 348/6, and Kirmani and Ghavri got India close to a record 4th innings win.

  51. WSC Australia v WSC West Indies, D/N, VFL Park 24.1.1978 The best of the Packer Circus matches, and one of the first day-night encounters. Greg Chappell top scored in Australia's 212 off a rain shortened 38 overs. Garner and Daniel prove the unlikely heroes, putting on 27 for the last wicket, and the West Indies winning off the penultimate ball.

  52. CENTENARY TEST: Australia v England at Melbourne, 12-17 Mar 1977 100 years after the 1st ever Test, Australia complete a win by the same margin of victory as in 1877. A memorable game with a thrilling final day when Randall took England close to an astonishing victory.The first innings were dominated by the bowling side, with a superb all-round performance by England in the field restricting Australia to 138, but then Lillee at his finest skittling England for 95. Rod Marsh's century and a sparkling innings by Walters allows Chappell to declare, and set the scene for the final day and Randall's heroic 174.

  53. 1st TEST: West Indies v Pakistan at Bridgetown, 18-23 Feb 1977 A fascinating draw. Both sides passed 400 in their first innings, with centuries for Wasim Raja and Clive Lloyd, but fortunes changed in the 2nd innings. The West Indies pacers have Pakistan reeling at 158/9 before Wasim Raja and Wasim Bari add 133 for the last wicket. West Indies need 306 to win, and Richards and Fredericks for a while have them well on course. A collapse sees Pakistan needing just 2 wickets from the last 20 overs, but Roberts, Holder and Croft save the day.

  54. Gillette Cup 1976-77 Semi-Final Western Australia v Queensland WACA Ground, Perth 12 December 1976 A match that seemed to be all over when Western Australia can only muster 77 is turned on its head by Lillee and Clark who fire out Queensland to give them an unlikely 15 run win.

  55. 3rd TEST: West Indies v India at Port-of-Spain, 7-12 Apr 1976 A superb innings by Richards, followed by some fine bowling by Holding on an unhelpful pitch puts West Indies in a seemingly unbeatable position, with a substantial first innings lead. A circumspect century by Kallicharan allows Lloyd to declare and India need 404 to win. Gavaskar and Amarnath give India the start they need, and an inspired innings by Vishwanath sees them win by 6 wickets.

  56. FINAL: Australia v West Indies at Lord's, 21 Jun 1975 The first World Cup final, and one of the best. West Indies recover after a shaky start thanks to a brilliant century from Lloyd at faster than a run a ball. Australia make a valiant effort at overtaking 291, but the West Indies, Richards in particular, are brilliant in the field, and 5 run outs sees them fall 15 runs short.

  57. 2nd TEST: Australia v West Indies at Perth, 12-16 Dec 1975 A fast pitch is perfect for a powerful West Indies side packed with quick bowlers. Ian Chappell's brilliant century holds the Australian innings together, but Fredericks replied with an astonishing innings, reaching his hundred off just 71 balls. Lloyd weighed in with another century, and Andy Roberts ripped through the Australian batting to give the West Indies an innings win.

  58. 2nd TEST: New Zealand v Australia at Christchurch, 8-13 Mar 1974 New Zealand get off to a great start as Australia fall to 128/5. Only a good innings by Redpath, supported by Marsh sees them to 223, and then Turner's century takes New Zealand to a narrow first innings lead. The Hadlee brothers take 4 wickets each as New Zealand then need 228 to win. At 62/3 this looked like a difficult task, but Turner completed his second hundred of the match, and New Zealand won by 5 wickets.

  59. 2nd TEST: England v New Zealand at Lord's, 21-26 Jun 1973 New Zealand come close to a famous win, but a rearguard action by Fletcher saves the game. England reach a modest first innings total thanks to Boycott, but Congdon's 175, supported by centuries from Burgess and Pollard leads New Zealand to 551/9 declared. Boycott and Fletcher resist sternly, but England are only 70 runs ahead when the 8th wicket falls. Arnold is dropped off his 3rd ball, but stays with Fletcher until England are safe.

  60. 3rd TEST: West Indies v Australia at Port-of-Spain, 23-28 Mar 1973 Played on a spinner's wicket with the ball turning from the 1st day, this was probably the last time the West Indies played three spinners. Walters took the attack to the bowlers on the first day, and Australia made 332. West Indies, without Rowe, injured when fielding, trailed by 52 on first innings. Ian Chappell made a fine 97 when for a time it looked as though the spinners would run through the Australians, and West Indies were set 334. They got to within 46, thanks to a superb innings from Kallicharan. At 268 for 4, a win looked likely but O'Keefe and Walker broke through.

  61. 1st TEST: West Indies v New Zealand at Kingston, 16-21 Feb 1972 West Indies put the New Zealand bowling to the sword, with Rowe leading the way with 214. It looks like an easy win when New Zealand slump to 108/5, but Turner plays one of the finest innings in Test history, completing 223* out of 386. Wadsworth makes 78, 50 more than his previous highest Test score, and the follow on is saved. Rowe makes another 100, this in his very first Test, but Burgess prevents a West Indian win with a fighting century.

  62. Lancashire v Gloucestershire at Manchester, 28 Jul 1971 A Gillette Cup semi-final at a packed Old Trafford, with an amazing climax in near darkness. Gloucestershire made 229, thanks to a characteristic 65 from Procter. Rain delayed play for an hour, and Lancashire fell well behind the run rate, until Bond and Simmons, and memorably David Hughes (hitting 24 from an over), brought Lancashire to victory at nearly 9 pm.
  63. 5th Match: England v Rest-of-the-World at the Oval, 13-18 August 1970 The final match in an exciting series. The Rest of the World team, put together as a replacement after the South African tour was cancelled, is one of the strongest ever assembled, and this match saw some fine individual performances. Cowdrey made a lovely 73 in England's innings, helped by England's lower order. Lever made an early breakthrough, but then a packed Oval crowd was treated to a superb partnership between two great left-handed bats, Graeme Pollock and Sobers. Pollock made 114 and Sobers 79, but Lever restricted the World side to 355 after taking 7/83. Boycott gave England a chance of winning the match with a masterly 157 and the World team looked to have a stiff task attaining a 287 target, especially after Richards, Pollock and Barlow fell cheaply. Kanhai was fortunate to survive, but chanced his arm, and with Lloyd took them to victory.

  64. Ireland v West Indians at Sion Mills, 2 Jul 1969 Ireland's finest cricketing hour. A powerful West Indian team, including Butcher, Lloyd, and Walcott, is caught on a green Sion Mills wicket, and dismissed for 25 by Goodwin and O'Riordan.

  65. 4th TEST: Australia v West Indies at Adelaide, 24-29 Jan 1969 West Indies throw wickets away on an easy pitch, and only a masterful innings by Sobers gives them a respectable total. Australia patiently build a big score, with Stackpole, Lawry, Chappell and Sheahan making 50s, and Walters a century. In reply West Indies bat much better, with excellent innings from Carew, Kanhai, Butcher, Nurse and Sobers. A 9th wicket partnership between Holford and Hendricks takes West Indies past 600, and leaves Australia 360 in under 6 hours. Lawry, Stackpole, Chappell and Walters all bat well, and as the last hour starts, Australia need just 62 from 120 balls. Wickets tumble through run outs, and the last pair had to play out the last three overs to ensure a draw with Australia 21 runs short.

  66. 5th TEST: England v Australia at The Oval, 22-27 Aug 1968 England battle time and the weather to level the series at the last gasp. Centuries from John Edrich and Basil D'Oliveria lead England to a big total - D'Oliveria's innings had unforseen consequences as to the amazement and anger of many, he was not named to England's party to tour South Africa in 1969-70. His late inclusion in the party prompted political controversy, and a cancellation of the tour, ending cricketing relations with South Africa for 25 years. Lawry answers with another century, and Connolly gives Australia an outside chance by restricting England to 181 in their second innings. England's chances of victory and retaining the Ashes seem gone when a downpour floods the Oval. After spectators are pressed into action to enable play to re-start, Australia have little chance against one of the best of all wet-wicket bowlers, Underwood, who takes 7/50.

  67. 1st TEST: South Africa v Australia at Johannesburg, 23-28 Dec 1966 When South Africa were caught on a damp wicket on the first day, a win looked exceedingly unlikely, particularly at 41/5. Lindsay and Lance led a recovery to 199 all out, but Lawry, Simpson, and Redpath saw Australia into the lead with only 1 wicket down. Facing a big deficit, South Africa pile on the runs, with Linday's 182 being the top score, but the memorable innings being Pollock's 90. 620 was South Africa's highest total in Tests, and a fine bowling performance from Goddard sealed victory for South Africa.

  68. Gloucestershire v West Indians at Ashley Down Ground, Bristol, 8-10 Jul 1966 Drawn with scores level. Gloucestershire take a big first innings lead after Nicholl's century allows them to declare, and then Windows' 8/78 dismisses the tourists for 151. Gloucester strive for quick runs, but lose wickets, declaring again at 103/9. West Indies, set 284 to win in just over 4 hours make a valiant attempt, led by Carew's 100. Needing 12 off the last over, they take 11 off the first 5 balls, but Brown bowls Holford from the last delivery.

  69. 1st TEST: England v South Africa at Lord's, 22-27 Jul 1965 A close fought draw between two well matched sides. South Africa are helped by the lower order to reach 280, and England led by an enterprising innings from Barrington (ended by a stunning run out from Bland) lead by 58. Barlow gets South Africa to a flying start, and Bland allows them to set England 191 in 4 hours to win. After Edrich retires hurt, England stumble, and eventually struggle for the draw.

  70. 2nd TEST: England v West Indies at Lord's, 20-25 Jun 1963 A dramatic finish to a dramatic Test, with a final over with all four results possible. West Indies were restricted to 301, thanks to the bowling of Trueman who took 6/100, with Kanhai top-scoring. England trailed by just 4 on first innings, thanks to a thrilling innings from Dexter who made 70 in 81 minutes, and a more staid 80 from Barrington. Shackleton and Trueman took early wickets, and West Indies were in trouble at 104/5 before Butcher (133), aided by Worrell took them to 214/5. The last 5 wickets fell for 15 on the fourth morning, and England were set 234 to win. Hall and Griffith bowled fast and agressively, and with 3 wickets down, Hall broke Cowdrey's arm with a fierce bouncer. Close and Barrington took England to 116/3 at the close. On the final day rain and bad light delayed the start until mid afternoon, and set up a thrilling climax. Hall and Griffith made the batsman struggle for every run, and at tea England wanted 63 in 85 minutes with 5 wickets left. Titmus and Trueman fell to successive balls, and Close fell on 70, his highest Test innings. With 8 down, England needed 15 in 19 minutes, and then from the last over bowled by Hall, 8. Shackleton was run out from the fourth, and Cowdrey came into bat with one arm in plaster. With 6 needed from 2 balls, he watched Allen play out the last two deliveries for a draw.

  71. 1st TEST: Australia v W.Indies at Brisbane, 9-14 Dec 1960 The first tied Test. Sobers' 132 takes West Indies to a good first innings total, despite 5 wickets from Davidson, but Australia take a first innings lead, thanks to 92 from Simpson, and 181 from O'Neill. Davidson takes 6 wickets in the 2nd innings, and Australia need just 233. Hall bowls fast and agressively, and has Australia at 57/5, then 92/6. Davidson, becoming the first man to complete the match double of 100 runs and 10 wickets in a Test match in the process, and Benaud put on 134 for the 7th wicket, taking them to within 7 runs of victory. A direct hit from Joe Solomon dismisses Davidson, and with the last over to be bowled by Hall, Australia needed 6 with 3 wickets in hand. Benaud is caught trying to hook from Hall's second ball, and after singles from balls 4 and 5, Grout is run out by a magnificent throw from Hunte trying for a 3rd run. With the scores level, last man Kline plays wide of Solomon at mid-wicket. Solomon throws down the striker's wicket with no other fielder close.

  72. 4th TEST: England v Australia at Manchester, 27 Jul-1 Aug 1961 Statham takes 5 wickets as Australia slump to 190 all out after choosing to bat. May's 92 takes England to a comfortable lead, despite Simpson's four cheap wickets. Lawry adds a century to his first innings 78, and Davidson a battling 77* (adding 98 for the last wicket with McKenzie), leaving England 256 to win. Allen takes 4 wickets and concedes only 58 runs from 38 overs as the wicket starts to take spin. England seem well on course at 150/1 with Dexter in magnificent form but then Benaud hits upon the brilliant strategy of bowling round the wicket into the rough. A combination of unwise shots and brilliant bowling sees England lose by 54 runs, and the Ashes lost, Benaud taking 6/70.

  73. 2nd Test: England Women v Australia Women at Melbourne, 21-24 Feb 1958 Betty Wilson was one of the greatest cricketers of the women's game and this was perhaps her finest match. She top-scored when Australia were put into bat on a difficult wicket - with 12 as Duggan took 7 wickets for 6 runs in 15 overs. Australia made just 38, but amazingly took a 3 run first innings lead after Wilson took 7 for 7, including a hat-trick. Wilson made 100 out of 202/9 declared (no other bat in the match passed 26), and when England batted again she took 4 for 9 in 19 overs. She thus became the first Test player (man or woman) to make a century and take ten wickets in a match. England however defended dourly, and were able to salvage a draw, finishing at 76/8.

  74. Victoria v NSW, St Kilda 1956/57 the first Sheffield Shield tie

  75. 4th TEST: England v Australia at Manchester, 26-31 Jul 1956 Normally a somewhat one-sided match on what at least one team felt was a doctored wicket would not be considered a great match. In this case, however, one man's performance elevates it into that category. By capturing 19 of the 20 Australian wickets to fall, Jim Laker ensured his immortality in cricket history. England made the most of the conditions by scoring heavily in their first innings, with centuries from Richardson, and David Sheppard. Australia started well, but May brought on the spinners after only 10 overs from his pacers. Laker and Lock dismissed the openers, but then Laker ended the Australian first innings with 7 wickets for 8 runs in 22 balls. Australia batted better in the second innings, particularly McDonald, last out with 89, but no-one could withstand Laker. Bowling 51.2 overs for just 53 runs he dismissed every Australian. Astonishingly, 99 overs were bowled by other bowlers, including another top class spinner, Lock, without a wicket falling.

  76. 2nd TEST: S.Africa v New Zealand at Johannesburg, 24-29 Dec 1953 A match distinguished by two performances of uncommon courage. South Africa put up a respectable total of 271 in their first innings, but this was overshadowed by news of the Tangiwai rail disaster in New Zealand. The fiancee of Bob Blair, who had taken two wickets in the South African innings, was killed in the disaster. New Zealand, already under a cloud, slumped to 9/2, and then Bert Sutcliffe, their best bat was hit a sickening blow on the head by Adcock and was hospitalised. Miller also retired hurt, and the score stood at 81/6 when Sutcliffe, bandaged and bruised, returned to the wicket. He immediately launched a fierce attack, but wickets continued to fall. At the fall of the 9th wicket, Blair made his way to the crease and stayed while Sutcliffe hit Tayfield for 3 sixes in 4 balls. Blair himself also hit Tayfield for 6. Sutcliffe made an astounding 80*, and Blair returned to open the bowling. Sutcliffe and Blair's valour was not rewarded with victory, however, as despite dimissing South Africa for 148 in the second innings, they were not able to withstand Adcock, and lost by 132 runs.
  77. England v Australia, Women's test. Australia won by 2 wickets at Worcester in 1951.

  78. 2nd TEST: England v West Indies at Lord's, 24-29 Jun 1950 A historic test that in some ways marked the emergence of the West Indies as a cricketing force. Taking on a full strength England team at the headquarters of cricket, they not only won but did so in emphatic fashion. A steady century from Rae, supported by more flamboyant half-centuries from Worrell and Weekes saw the West Indies to 326. England struggled against the superb West Indies spin pairing of Ramadhin and Valentine, and conceded a big first innings deficit. A magnificent 168* from the third "W" Walcott, allowed Goddard to declare leaving England a massive 601 runs to win. England resisted defensively, with Washbrook making a century but 6 wickets for Ramadhin set Lord's alight with Carribean jubilation.

  79. England v India, 1952 A staggering performance by Mankad in a losing cause. An inexperienced Indian team struggled against a strong England line-up. Mankad made 72 of India's 1st innings of 235, Hazare making 69* as wickets tumbled at the other end. Hutton made a stylish 150, with Evans contributing a hard hitting century as England topped 500, Mankad taking 5/196. Mankad astonishly opened the innings and made 184 out of 378, forcing England to bat again, where he proceeeded to bowl another 24 overs, conceding only 35 runs.

  80. 1st TEST: South Africa v England at Durban, 16-20 Dec 1948 A thrilling finish in a low scoring match. A great performance in the field from England restricts South Africa to 161, Bedser taking 4 cheap wickets. England reached 141/2 on the second day but the pitch deteriorated after overnight rain, and only a fine 72 from compton allowed England to reach 253, Mann taking 6/59. South Africa batted well to take the game into the final day, and thanks to Wade's 63, set England 128 in just over 2 hours, on a highlyn unpredictable wicket. A loss of 15 minutes through rain upped the pressure, and McCarthy's bowling was near unplayable. The last (8 ball over) started with England needing 8, and tail-enders Gladwin and Bedser at the wicket. In driving rain and appalling light, Gladwin scambles a leg bye off the last possible ball to win the match.

  81. 5th TEST: South Africa v England at Port Elizabeth, 5-9 Mar 1949 South Africa bat for most of the first two days, Mitchell falling on 99, and Wade with a brisk century to take them to 379. England lose their top order and with 5 wickets down for 168, it looks as though South Africa have a chance to square the series. FG Mann however, made an agressive 136*, and supported by the tail, gave England the lead. On the last day, a draw looked inevitable as south Africa batted steadily, but throwing caution to the wind, Nourse declared, leaving England 172 runs in just 95 minutes. England took up the challenge, and in a tumultuous final hour, some fine hitting from Jack Crapp saw England to victory with minutes to spare.

  82. 4th TEST: England v Australia at Leeds, 22-27 Jul 1948 Bradman's invincible tourists come up against a good batting performance from England, with 81 from Hutton,centuries from Edrich and Washbrook, and 79 from Alec Bedser sent in as night watchman. $00 is on the board for only 2 wickets down, but the last 8 wickets fall quickly. Bradman is dimissed for 33, leaving Australia at 68/3, but Miller, Harvey (112) and Loxton (93), helped by 77 from Lindwall see England lead by just 38. Half centuries by the top four in the order, and a late flurry by Evans allowed Yardley to set Australia 404 to win in just less than a full day's play. The wicket has by no means hostile, but was taking spin. Hassett fell with the total on 57, bringing in Bradman to partnet Morris. With only one genuine spinner, Compton and Hutton was asked to fill in, and Compton was unlucky to have a stumping chance missed by Evans, and then Bradman dropped at slip. After these escapes, Morris and Bradman batted superbly, steadily at first, but as the day went on with increasing aggression. Morris fell on 358 with a magnificent 182, and although Miller was also dismissed before the end, Australia won by 7 wickets with 15 minutes to spare- the first victory against a declaration in an Ashes series. Their captain, Bradman was at the wicket, unbeaten with 173.

  83. 5th TEST: England v Australia at The Oval, 14-18 Aug 1948 This match is mostly remembered for one ball, Hollies to Bradman, a googly that bowled him second ball for a duck, and left his Test average 0.06 runs short of 100. It was also the final flourish for perhaps the best team of all time - the fourth win in the 5 Test series. England chose to bat on the first morning, and Hutton alone seemed untroubled by a magnificent spell of bowling by Lindwall and Miller, making 30, the next highest socre being 7. England were dismissed for 52, and Lindwall took 6/20. Morris, in superb form socred 196 out of Australia's 389, Hollies capturing 4 wickets apart from that of Bradman, and although Hutton made an accomplished 64, Lindwall, Miller, and Johnston wrapped up the series for Australia.

  84. New Zealand v Australia at Wellington, 29-30 Mar 1946 The first post-war Test , New Zealand's first Test against Australia, and the last to date to be completed in two days. O'Reilly's last Test, and debuts for Miller and Lindwall amongst others. An inexpereinced New Zealand team has no answer to a powerful bowling attack on a difficult wicket. O'Reilly takes 5/14 in the first innings of 42, and Australia declare on 199/8, Brown top-scoring, and Cowie taking 6/40. New Zealand's 2nd innings is marginally better than the first at 54, with the Tiger completing his Test career by taking the final wicket.

  85. 5th TEST: South Africa v England at Durban, 3-14 Mar 1939 A statistician's dream match with records falling right, left and centre. The longest Test ever played by far (12 days with 2 Sunday rest days), a true marathon of a match, and the last Test played without a time limit. South Africa took nearly 3 days to amass 530 on a lifeless wicket, van der Bijl and Nourse making centuries. England were less successful, making only 316, but in a timeless match Melville chose to bat again. 481 was the total this time, with van der Bijl falling just short of a second hundred, and Melville making 103. England were set 696 to win, against a tired attack, with two bowlers injured. Gibb made a hundred in 7 hours, and Edrich, who so far had disappointed in Tests, 219. Hammond made a cautious 140, and when stumps were drawn on the 10th day, England were 654/5. Rain on the next day meant that the Test was abandoned as a draw- the tourist's boat was leaving for home the following day....

  86. 2nd TEST: England v Australia at Lord's, 22-25 Jun 1934 England's last Test win at Lord's and a rarity against a strong Australian side. Walters bats well, but at 182/5 a big total looks unlikley. Leyland and Ames however score centuries and England make 440. Rain turns the wicket into a spinner's dream, and the great Hedley Verity is unstoppable, taking 7/61, and 8/43. Bradman fails in both innings, a rare moment of fallibility on a wet wicket.

  87. 3rd TEST: Australia v England at Adelaide, 13-19 Jan 1933 One of the most infamous matches in cricket history, the culmination of the "Bodyline" series, whose reprocussions spread far and wide, damaging Anglo-Australian relations, and ultimately provoking a change in the Laws. The Australians got off to a splendid start, taking 4 England wickets for just 30, but then Leyland, Wyatt and Paynter led a fightback, and England made 341. Larwood and allen opended the bowling, and allen made the first breakthrough, bowling conventionally, as was Larwood. Woodfull was struck a fierce blow over the heart by Larwood, and collapsed at the wicket. When he was ready to resume, Jardine halted Larwood in his run-up, and waved his fielders over to the leg-side, signalling that Larwood was to bowl fast-short pitched deliveries on the line of the batsman's body- boyline. The crowd erupted, and only a strong police presence prevented a riot. Larwood dismissed Bradman, but Woodfull was hit a second time before falling to Allen (who refused to adopt bodyline tactics). Ponsford and Oldfield staged a recovery before Oldfield was struck a fearful blow on the side of the head, fracturing his skull. In the most hostile of atmospheres, England ground out 412, leaving Australia 532 to win. They fell well short, but not before Woodfull made a courageous 73*, and Bradman chanced his arm for 66. Larwood took 8 wickets in the match, and cricket was never the same again.

  88. 2nd TEST: England v Australia at Lord's, 27 Jun-1 Jul 1930 A wonderful game of cricket, with several superb perfomances. England's openers were both in their forties, but after Hobbs fell early, Woolley treated the bowling with disdain, and seemed on course for a big innings until Wall held on to a fine catch at point. Duleepsinhji was making his debut, and played superbly, falling at the stroke of time for 173, and incurring the wrath of his uncle, Ranji, for his foolishness. On an excellent wicket, Woodfull and Ponsford put on 162 before being parted, but this brought in Bradman, who set Lord's alight, making 254 without a chance or even a mis-hit. Australia declared at a monstrous 729/6, and Grimmett was soon making the most of a wicket that was starting to take spin. Chapman decided on death or glory and attacked Grimmett, making 121 with hardly a false stroke. Australia needed only 72, but at 22/3 one final turn of the course of the match seemed possible- Bradman had fallen to a catch by Chapman in the gulley from a full-=blooded cut that had most spectators looking to the boundary for the ball. Woodfull and McCabe put on the 50 required without further incident, however.

  89. Gloucestershire v Australians, Bristol, 23-26 August 1930
    A little heralded Gloucestershire team takes on the mighty Australians, fresh from the 5th Test. Gloucs muster only 72 on a wet wicket, and Australia takes a good first innings lead. A magnificent 89 by Hammond sets the visitors 118 to win, but wickets tumble to Parker. With 9 wickets down, the scores are tied, and two successive maidens are bowled before Goddard traps the last man lbw.
  90. 3rd TEST: Australia v England at Melbourne, 29 Dec 1928-5 Jan 1929 A classic encounter between a fine England side, and an up and coming Australian team. After losing early wickets the Australian middle order prpospered on an excellent batting wicket, with centuries for Kippax and Ryder, and 79 from a young batsman named Bradman recalled for his 2nd Test. Despite scoring nearly 400, they conceded a first innings lead due to Hammond's restrained double hundred. With Larwood injured, England's bowling depended on the spin of White, who responded superbly. Woodfull made a patient century but Bradman used his feet to White, and ended up himself with the first of many Test hundreds. England were set 332, but this seemed an impossible task when overnight rain and hot sun fashioned a classic Melbourne "sticky". Hobbs and Sutcliffe, with superlative skill, made one of the great bad-wicket partnerships, and England made it to the close at 171/1, in conditions where survival of an over was an achievement. The wicket eased on the next day, but three wickets fell with less than 10 required, and England heaved a collective sigh of relief when they won by 7 wickets.

  91. Victoria v New South Wales at Melbourne, 24-27 Dec 1926 A match perhaps more remarkable for its statistical interest than the play itself. New South Wales make a disappointing 221 on a good batting wicket, and then only capture one wicket on the 2nd day, as Ponsford reaches a triple hundred, putting on 375 for the first wicket with Woodfull (133). On the third day, Hendry completes his century, Ryder weighs in with 295, and the declaration never comes. Victoria total 1107- Mailey taking 4/362. Somehwat stunned by the monumental size of their task, NSW fall some way short of the 886 need to make Victoria bat again.

  92. 5th TEST: England v Australia at The Oval, 14-18 Aug 1926 The final and deciding Test in a closely matched series. The end of an era in some ways, as it was the last Test for several players, and the end of a period of Australian domination. England struggled with the bat, Mailey bowling superbly, and only Chapman played with any freedom. Collins played cautiously and Gregory hit freely as Australia took a first innings lead, and Hobbs and Sutcliffe saw out the last hour of play on the second day. Heavy rain overnight left the wicket in poor condition, and as the sun dried it became spiteful. In the circumstances, the opening partnership of 172 has rarely, if ever, been bettered. Both made centuries, and England topped 400. Tate and the 49 year old Rhodes, made the most of a ruined wicket, and England won the Ashes by 289 runs.

  93. Somerset v Surrey: Hobbs, the subject of intense media interest, equals Grace's record of 126 centuries, and then passes it in the 2nd innings.

  94. 3rd TEST: Australia v England at Adelaide, 16-23 Jan 1925 Tate's opening spell has Australia reeling at 22/3, and then they fall to 119/7 before a superb unbeaten double hundred from Ryder turns things around. The tail all contribute and Australia make 489. On a wet wicket, Gilligan has Tate and Whysall open, and by the time Hobbs gets in at number 5 conditions have eased. His century, aided by 92 from Hendren batting at 8, helps England to 365. Ryder adds 88 runs to his double hundred, and Australia set England an apparently impossible 375 to win. Hobbs and Sutcliffe get them off to a good start, and Whysall's 75 takes them within range of victory. Wickets keep falling however, and despite a valiant effort by the tail, they fall just 11 runs short.

  95. Warwickshire v Hampshire at Birmingham, 14-16 Jun 1922 The most astonishing come-back in cricket history. Warwickshire make a respectable 223, but Hampshire can muster just 15 in response, Calthorpe taking 4/4 and Howell 6/7. Eight batsman make ducks and Phil Mead is stranded on 6*. Following on, they bat much better, but still look headed for defeat at 274/8. Brown with 172, supported by the captain's valet and wicket-keeper Livsey (110*) take the total to 521, and set Warwickshire 314 to win. Newman and Kennedy bowl Hampshire to the most unlikely of victories.

  96. 2nd TEST: Australia v England at Melbourne, 30 Dec 1911-3 Jan 1912 A sensational start, as the Australians come up against the great SF Barnes at his best. On a plumb wicket he takes five of the first 6 wickets as Australia falls to 38/6, Barnes 11 overs, 7 maidens, 6 runs, 5 wickets. The tail fought hard and took the total to 184. Hearne and Rhodes batted well, and England were at one point 211/4, before collapsing to 265 all out, Horden doing the damage. Barnes and Foster take quick wickets again, but Armstrong's 90 allows Australia to set England 219 to win. An immaculate century by Hobbs made light of what was by no means an easy target.

  97. Australia v South Africa, 3rd Test, Adelaide 1910/11 South Africa win a high scoring match by a narrow margin. Centuries from Zulch and Snooke take South Africa to 482 on the 2nd day (the match was played without a time limit). Australia's reply was illuminated by Trumper's magnificent 214*, his highest Test innings. Faulkner took the batting honours when South Africa batted again, but Whitty took 6 wickets and Australia were set 378 to win. They made a good start, reaching 170/2 but then lost three quick wickets. The tail wagged, with Cotter and Whitty taking them to within 38 runs before the last wicket fell.

  98. RSA's 1st win over England - 1st Test After the one sided contests of previous tours, PF Warneržs side was expected to be more than equal to the South Africans. They did not take into account however, the revolution in bowling styles that had swept South Africa with the invention of the googly. Schwarz, Faulkner, White and Vogler had all learnt this new "mystery" delivery, and on the matting wickets of south Africa had become a formidable proposition. The first Test was a rude awakening for the tourists, and was a great match. The four googly bowlers were too much for England in their first innings, but Lees with 5 wickets had South Africa 100 behind on first innings. England only made 190 when they batted again but a target of 284 seemed well beyond the South Africans, as they slumped to 106/5. Gordon White and Nourse then put on 121 runs, before three wickets fell for just 13 more. Nourse was joined by Sherwell, the captain and wicketkeeper but in his first Test. In mounting tension South Africa crept close to victory until Sherwell dispatched a full toss from Relf for a famous victory.

  99. 5th TEST: England v Australia at The Oval, 11-13 Aug 1902 Jessop's match.. Australia recovered from 175/7 to 324 all out, with Trumble top-scoring with 64*. Trumble batted at 9 in this innings, and was "demoted" to 10 in the 2nd (he got 7* there). This may have been his highest Test score. Hirst picked up 5/77. Trumble bowled unchanged throughout England's first innings, returning 8/65. Hirst top scored with 43. England finished at 183, 141 short. Trumper's run out early in the Australian 2nd innings inspired England's bowlers, and Australia were bowled out for 121. Lockwood took 5/45, and Hirst chipped in with the wicket of top scorer Clem Hill. Set 263 to win, England collapsed to 48/5, when Jessop entered. Jessop hit 104 (out of 139) in 77 minutes, in an astonishing display of hitting. Buses pulled up outside the ground so that passengers could watch, and resumed their routes after Jessop was out. At 187/7, it was far from over. Hirst batted coolly, and the score advanced to 248/9 when he was joined by fellow Yorkshireman Rhodes. Legend has it (denied by Hirst and Rhodes) that Hirst told Rhodes "We'll get 'em in singles". Cardus wrote that he would like to think that Hirst added "And if tha gets out, ah'll cream thee!". Rhodes' first scoring stroke was a streaky 4. Thereafter, apart from an overthrow, every run was indeed a single. Hirst finished 58*, in a fine all-round performance. Rhodes, who hit the winning run, ended on 6*.

  100. 4th TEST: England v Australia at Manchester, 24-26 Jul 1902 Of this match Cardus wrote "The match at the end seemed to get right out of the control of the men that were making it; it seemed to take on a being of its own, a volition of its own, and the mightiest cricketers in the land looked as though they were in the grip of a power of which they could feel the presence but whose ends they could not understand.". A superb contest from start to finish, remembered perhaps unfairly as poor Fred Tate's only Test. Australia batted first on a wet wicket, and Maclaren planned to keep Trumper quiet until the wicket dried out enough to help the bowlers. At lunch Trumper had made 104*. After lunch, as expected, Rhodes and Lockwood exploited the drying wicket to dismiss Australia for 299. England then collapsed to 44/5, and recovered to 70/5 by the close. On the 2nd morning, FS Jackson played a commanding innings. England finished 37 runs short on the 1st innings. An inspired opening spell from Lockwood dismissed Trumper, Duff, and Hill with only 10 on the board.

    When the score was 16, Darling skied the ball to deep square- leg off Braund, and was dropped by Fred Tate. Darling and Gregory put on 54 runs, before the innings folded completely, and Australia was all out for 86, leaving England 123 to win. England began their 2nd innings on the 3rd morning, after more rain. They had reached 92/3 before Trumble and Saunders brought about a collapse. Fred Tate came in to bat at 116/9, with 8 runs needed. Before Tate reached the middle, it begain raining again, and the players had to come off. Play resumed after 45 minutes. Tate edged Saunders' first ball for 4. He survived the next two, but the 4th kept low to bowl him.



Results | Full List of Matches