Tag Cricket Records

26 July 1956, Old Trafford, Manchester :- Coin roll rested to England's favour and captain Peter May elected to bat. Then, no one knew what was to come..

England looked good for over 600 first innings score but Ian Johnson's late 4 wickets folded them up for 459. Australians took a deep breath. it was time for them to bat well.

But they didn't. At the exception of Jim Burke who was dismissed by Tony Lock, Jim Laker, an off spinner, sent remaining all 9 Aussie batters back to pavilion, giving away only 37 runs in his 16.4 overs. Asked to follow on, team from downunder lost star batsman Neil Harvey by the end of second day's play in second innings, and opener Colin McDonald retired hurting his knee.

Day 3 rained off for just 6 overs (in which Australia lost other opener Jim Burke) and Day 4 was a rest day. in spare time, Australians wondered how to play Jim Laker now who had taken their 11 out 12 wickets so far. Day 4, thankfully, was another wet day, and Australians escaped through to another 25 runs without losing a wicket.

On last day, with 8 wickets in hand, Aussies contemplated hopes of drawing the test match. but it wasn't to be. Jim Laker was too hot for them to handle. his second innings bowling figures read 10 wicket, 53 runs, 51.2 overs.

Overall, Jim Laker took 19 wickets for 68 overs in that test match (5 bowled, 3 lbw, 5 caught by Alan Oakman). Never say never but that is one piece of record that ain't gonna break. In fact, no bowling at first class level has taken more than 17 wickets, let a lone at international level or in Australia vs England Ashes test match.

Who are the other best bowling performances in Ashes test match? here are your answers :-


Best Bowling : Australia vs England tests (in an innings)

Bowler	Country	Ovs	Mdn	Runs	Wkts	Venue	Month-Year
Jim Laker	England	51.2	23	53	10	Manchester	July 1956
Jim Laker	England	16.4	4	37	9	Manchester	July 1956
Arthur Mailey	Australia	47.0	8	121	9	Melbourne	February 1921
Frank Laver	Australia	18.2	7	31	8	Manchester	July 1909
George Lohmann	England	27.1	12	35	8	Sydney	February 1887
Glenn McGrath	Australia	20.3	8	38	8	Lords	June 1997
Albert Trott	Australia	27.1	10	43	8	Adelaide	January 1895
Hedley Verity	England	22.3	8	43	8	Lords	June 1934
Bob Willis	England	15.1	3	43	8	Leeds	July 1981
Bob Massie	Australia	27.2	9	53	8	Lords	June 1972
George Lohmann	England	43.2	18	58	8	Sydney	January 1982
Hugh Trumble	Australia	31.0	13	65	8	The Oval	August 1902
Wilfred Rhodes	England	15.0	0	68	8	Melbourne	January 1904
Shane Warne	Australia	50.2	22	71	8	Brisbane	November 1994
Len Braund	England	29.1	6	81	8	Melbourne	March 1904
Bob Massie	Australia	32.5	7	84	8	Lords	June 1972
Tom Richardson	England	36.1	7	84	8	Sydney	February 1898
Craig McDermott	Australia	24.4	2	97	8	Perth	February 1991
Bernard Bosanquet	England	32.4	2	107	8	Nottingham	May 1905
Jack White	England	64.5	21	126	8	Adelaide	February 1929
Craig McDermott	Australia	36.0	3	141	8	Manchester	August 1985
MHN Walker	Australia	42.2	7	143	8	Melbourne	February 1975