<p><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;">Cricket is an old sport with morals and values as a high state of the game. It is known for its gentlemanly gameplay and fair play but sometimes the game slips and or the rules get bent.</span></p><p><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;">In the summer of 1932-33 an infamous thing happened in cricket called Bodyline.</span></p><p><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;">It was a cricket test series between Australia and England. This test series sparked a </span><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;">controversy that had some major consequences &amp; even threatened to damage the relations between the two countries and tarnish the reputation of the game which has lasted up to now. </span></p><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;">The cause was an interesting bowling tactic thought up by the English captain, Douglas Jardine, to slow, hurt or get out Australia's star player, Don Bradman.</span><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;"> The instruction was to get his fast bowlers to deliver short-pitched balls aimed directly at the body of </span><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;">the batsman especially Don Bradman, Jardine would then instruct several fielders close to the leg side to catch any deflections. </span><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span><div><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;">The strategy was clever and worked. It was technically known as fast leg theory and the media called it the catchy name of bodyline.</span></div><div><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;">
The bodyline idea was seen by lots of people as being immoral or unsporting. It was also called a very dangerous way of playing cricket.</span></div><div><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;">All the Australian batsmen had to face a barrage of lots of balls which if hit them would and could injure them, </span></div><div><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;">Back then safety equipment and technology were limited in this area. No helmets and basic protective gear.</span><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;"> </span></div><div><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;">The Australian crowds were angry by this idea as it perceived a lack of sportsmanship from the English team. It lead to the audience booing them every game.</span></div><div><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;">The Australian players were also not happy with the idea of the bodyline tactic.</span></div><div><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;">The tension reached its peak in the third Test match at Adelaide Oval, when a </span><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;">bodyline delivery from Harold Larwood struck the Australian captain, Bill Woodfull, just above the heart. </span><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;"> Woodfull refused to leave the field, but was visibly shaken by the blow.</span><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;"> The incident sparked an angry exchange between the two teams, and nearly caused a riot among the spectators.</span><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;"> The Australian Cricket Board sent a cable to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which governed English </span><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;">cricket, stating that bodyline was "unsportsmanlike" and "likely to upset friendly relations existing between Australia and England". </span><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;"> The MCC replied that it regretted any ill-feeling caused by bodyline, but defended its legality and effectiveness.</span></div><div><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;">The controversy continued until the end of the series, which England won by four matches to one.</span><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;"> Jardine was hailed as a hero in England for regaining the Ashes, but was vilified in Australia for his ruthless tactics.</span><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;"> Bradman, who had averaged over 139 runs per innings in the previous series in England, was reduced to 56.</span><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;">57 runs per innings by bodyline, but still managed to score two centuries and top the batting averages for both sides.</span></div><div><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;">
The bodyline saga had a lasting impact on cricket and international relations.</span><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;"> In 1934, the laws of cricket were amended to limit the number of fielders on the leg side to two behind square leg, effectively making bodyline impossible.</span><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;"> The MCC also issued a statement that "any form of bowling which is obviously a direct </span><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;">attack by the bowler upon the batsman would be an offence against the spirit of cricket". </span><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;"> The Australian and English cricket authorities eventually reconciled their differences, but it took several years for the public animosity to subside.</span><span style="border-color: rgb(241, 192, 192); border-radius: 2px 2px 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-family: roboto, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 17px; padding: 2px 0px; transition: border-width 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background 0.2s ease 0s, border-color 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word;"> Bodyline remains one of the most controversial and fascinating episodes in cricket history.</span></div></div>