When loyalty cost a career and country: Story of Bodyline's scapegoat

Shreyasi

Harold Larwood in Bodyline [Source: X/@fredfertang]Harold Larwood in Bodyline [Source: X/@fredfertang]

One of England's finest fast bowlers, the son of a coal miner, Harold Larwood, made it to the headlines during the Bodyline series after his delivery hit Bill Woodfull over the heart. The fierce English bowler became the villain of the game overnight following his ruthless act.

However, history reversed in favour of Larwood. But it cost Larwood his career and country.

Larwood used to work in the mines until his bowling talent was discovered, leading to his England Test debut against Australia in 1926. He also played in the 1928-29 Ashes in Australia—a series that marked the rise of Don Bradman for Australia.

Jardine's most trusted weapon for Bodyline

During his debut series, the young Bradman scored two centuries and went on to amass an incredible 973 runs in the 1930 Ashes. Faced with Bradman's supremacy, England's captain Douglas Jardine realized he needed a creative strategy to stem the flow of runs before the 1932-33 Ashes.

Jardine proposed the fast leg theory, high-pace bowling aimed at the batters' bodies with a packed legside field to catch anything fended off by the batters. The infamous strategy was dubbed ‘Bodyline’ by Australian media and was loathed by the fans.

Jardine could execute the ‘leg theory’ only because Larwood had great command over length and direction. Larwood had the exceptional ability to maintain devastating speed with consistent accuracy. Jardine relied heavily on Larwood, with help from Bill Voce.

Harold Larwood [Source: X/@fredfertang]Harold Larwood [Source: X/@fredfertang]

Larwood worked hard to carry out his captain's plan. This allowed Jardine to overuse Larwood, and Larwood was forced to remain in the field, even with a broken bone in his left foot.

Despite all the barracking from the Australian crowd, he ended up with 33 wickets in the series. His tireless bowling while applying the fast leg theory helped England to regain the Ashes with a 4-1 result and brought down Bradman’s average to 56.57.

Loyalty rewarded with punishment: Larwood exiled from England cricket

After the infamous Bodyline series, Larwood virtually missed the entire 1933 summer due to his injury. Moreover, he faced severe repercussions for his role in England’s victory in the Ashes. He became the primary target of criticism for executing his captain’s plan.

When the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) demanded an apology from Larwood for his aggressive bowling, he refused. His loyalty towards his captain remained unshaken.

This ultimately ended his international cricket career. He never played for England again. His first-class career also ended soon. On the other hand, Bill Voce, the other fast-bowling weapon in Jardine’s Bodyline strategy, went on to become England’s star bowler on their next trip to Australia.

The tribute that mattered for Larwood

Overshadowed by controversy, Larwood eventually emigrated to Australia with his family. To everyone’s surprise, the very nation that had bashed Larwood for his aggressive bowling welcomed him warmly.

While English cricket failed to reward Larwood’s exceptional skill and unwavering loyalty, Douglas Jardine did not forget to acknowledge the bowler who stood firm when it mattered. An ashtray from the captain with a simple yet heartfelt message probably the only reward that matter to Harold Larwood.

"To Harold for the Ashes -- 1932-33 -- From a grateful Skipper."