Australia declared on 32-7 But still won the Match. Browser How?
Australians have always been known to be profusely ruthless. Apart from being ruthless Australians have always played cricket with an innovative mindset. It has often been their out of the box thinking, which has reaped them great rewards. They take such steps just to emerge victorious after all. Background of Australian cricket is full of skippers who have believed in winning from any position.
One such instance, when the Aussies took a bold step for victory, which came in the year 1950. It was the 1st Ashes series since the retirement of the legendary Sir Don Bradman. Australians under the captaincy of Lindsay Hasset hosted the English at the Gabba. England was led by Freddie Brown.
Australia won the toss and had no hesitation in electing to bat first. As per Wisden, the Australians won half the battle as they won the toss. The wicket of Gabba was a boon to the batsmen early on. But as the game progressed, the pitch displayed its true nature and made life hell for the batsmen.
England though, stunned everyone by dismissing the Australia for a cheap total. Australia got all out for 228(55 Overs). There was no play on the 2nd day due to a storm in Brisbane. The 3rd day was a rest day.
England resumed play on the 4th day, only to be intimidated by the Aussie bowling. The visitors only managed to score 68 runs in just 22 overs! England though declared their innings at 7 down. This might have been done to prevent their tailenders from getting injured. Australia batted again, and this is where something special happened. The hosts were reeling at 0-3. England bowling in the 2nd innings was phenomenal and the hosts kept on losing wickets. The new ball pair of Bailey & Bedser wrecked havoc and reduced Australia to 32-7. Australia shocked everyone by declaring their innings there and then. Everyone in the ground stood shocked after the hosts declared their innings for just 32 runs!
The English needed 193 runs to win. As fate would have it, the Australians dismissed them for 122, and won by 70 runs. Wrist spinner Iverson took 4 wickets for Australia. It was a victory that shook everyone. No one expected Australia to win after declaring their 2nd innings at 32-7!