Cricket's Dark Day: The Underarm Incident of 1981

The 1981 Underarm Bowling Incident: A Controversial Cricket Match that Shook the Sporting World On February 1st, 1981, Australia and New Zealand faced off in a one-day cricket match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The match was tense, with New Zealand needing six runs off the final ball to tie. Australia's captain, Greg Chappell, ordered his brother, Trevor, to bowl underarm, a tactic never before seen at this level of the game. This decision sparked immediate outrage and controversy. Trevor Chappell recalled the moment: "I was heading to my bowling mark, and I noticed that Greg was heading there too. He asked, 'How are you bowling underarm?' I said I didn't know, and he replied, 'Well, you're about to find out, aren't you?'" The underarm delivery was met with boos and jeers from the crowd and condemnation from commentators like Richie Benaud, who called it a "disgraceful performance." New Zealand's Prime Minister, Robert Muldoon, even weighed in, diplomatically stating it was "most appropriate" that the Australian team was dressed in yellow, a subtle dig at their perceived cowardice. The International Cricket Council later banned underarm bowling in limited-overs cricket. The incident remains a controversial and memorable moment in cricket history, highlighting the tensions and strategies involved in high-stakes matches. It also serves as a reminder of the ethical considerations within competitive sports.