Bodyline Series

The controversial English tactic that shook the Ashes and threatened diplomatic relations.

Bodyline, also known as fast leg theory bowling, was a cricketing tactic devised by the English cricket team for their 1932–33 Ashes tour of Australia. It was designed to combat the extraordinary batting skill of Australia's leading batsman, Don Bradman.

Quick Facts

Series result: England won 4–1

Lore & Background

The tactic involved bowling at pace, aimed at the batsman's body, with fielders placed nearby on the leg side to catch deflections. No helmets or upper-body protective gear were worn at the time. Critics considered it intimidating and physically threatening, and it caused a controversy that threatened diplomatic relations between Australia and England. Although no serious injuries arose from short-pitched deliveries with a leg theory field set, the tactic led to considerable ill feeling between the teams, particularly when Australian batsmen were struck.

Reader's Guide

Bodyline bowling is intended to be intimidatory and was primarily designed to curb the scoring of Don Bradman, though other Australian batsmen such as Bill Woodfull, Bill Ponsford, and Alan Kippax were also targeted. The tactic involved bowling at the leg stump or just outside it, pitching the ball short so it reared up at the batsman's body. A ring of leg-side fielders would catch defensive deflections. Over time, several Laws of Cricket were changed to render bodyline less effective and increase player safety, including legside field restrictions, concussion breaks, and inspections.

Did You Know?

The term 'bodyline' was first used in print by journalist Hugh Buggy in the Melbourne Herald, in his report on the first day's play of the first Test.
Don Bradman scored 974 runs at an average of 139.14 during the 1930 Ashes series in England, an aggregate record that still stands.
The story that Douglas Jardine shouted 'I've got it! He's yellow!' after seeing film footage of Bradman is apocryphal and not verified.
Before the 1932–33 series, the English selectors included two leg-spinners, but the main tactic was fast leg theory, not a focus on Bradman's vulnerability to leg-spin.