Don Bradman's excellence in Ashes (Source: @PictureSporting/x.com)
Cricket has given fans some of the fiercest rivalries, where the tension on the field rivals any Cold War. Add a dash of controversy and unexpected sparks, and the drama only intensifies. Among all the rivalries in the history of cricket, the England-Australia rivalry became a classic.
Their face-off in white-ball is thrilling, but when they stepped into the big stage of the Ashes, the red-ball thrills became high, and every delivery turned into an unmissable drama. As the historic moment delivered some of the best cricketing moments, the first instance of that was after the Second World War was highlighted by a ‘Bump Ball’ controversy.
A delivery from Bill Voce had Bradman caught in the slips, yet the umpire ruled him not out. The Aussie legend claimed it was a ‘bump ball,’ sparking a controversy that has lingered through cricket history. Let’s revisit the controversial match.
‘Bump Ball’ controversy sparks fire in the Ashes
Since the first time England and Australia met on the cricket pitch, the cricket world has discovered it's one of the biggest rivalries of the game. Rivalries are common in the limited over, but the Ashes took over the grand stage of red-ball cricket, and the rest is history. Over the years, this ultimate championship has produced countless legendary moments, yet the infamous ‘Bump Ball’ incident remains one of its most talked-about sparks of drama.
After the world went through the horrific Second World War, England and Australia met for the first time, marking the first major tour after the challenging period. Before facing the English side in the first Test, Bradman’s availability was under wraps, but the veteran Aussie batter took the courageous call of making himself available, without knowing he would be the center of an iconic controversy.
While Australia was batting first in the clash, Donald Bradman came to bat after Arthur Morris walked away early. While he was on 28, English bowler Bill Voce threw a deadly delivery and Bradman was caught on the second slip. Yet, despite England’s furious appeal, the umpire ruled in Bradman’s favor, setting the stage for one of cricket’s most talked-about controversies.
As the English team erupted in protest, Bradman calmly defended his stance, insisting the ball had struck the ground before reaching the fielder’s hand. He boldly declared it a ‘Bump Ball,’ and with the umpire unwavering in his decision, Bradman remained unbeaten at the crease.
Bradman responds with an iconic 187
The on-field heated moment ignited a drama in the match, and Bradman found himself in the middle of the controversy. It may have triggered him internally as the Aussie batter crafted one of the bravest knocks of his career. Getting a lifeline in 28 runs, Bradman unleashed his beast mode as the English bowlers faced the heat.
Bradman may have remembered English skipper Wally Hammond’s fiery words and taken the revenge back from the bowlers. Smashing the ball all over the ground, he crossed the half-century mark and smashed a thrilling century.
On that day, the Aussie legend was meant for something great as he was going towards a dreamy double ton, but Bill Edrich flipped the script. With a fiery delivery, Edrich sent Bradman packing, ending an epic innings on 187 runs off 313 balls, studded with 19 brilliant boundaries.
The match became a defining chapter in their legendary rivalry, yet the controversy left a lasting strain between Bradman and Hammond. Even decades later, every time they face each other on the big stage, the ‘Bump Ball’ incident echoes through every ball.
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