Legend Profiles > Harold Larwood
Harold Larwood
- Date of Birth: 14.11.1904
- Bats: Right-hand
- Bowls: Right arm fast
Larwood's name will forever be synonymous with the Ashes due to his involvement in the infamous Bodyline Series.
Seriously quick, the Nottinghamshire paceman put into place the 'fast leg theory' devised by England captain Douglas Jardine to try and counter the phenomenal talents of Donald Bradman.
The policy paid off - England won the series 4-1 on the field to regain the Ashes - but led to a major thawing of relations between the two countries, while the Australian crowds watching the game became incensed to such an extent there were concerns over them storming onto the field in protest.
Larwood's part in one of the most talked about cricketing events ever overshadowed his abilities as a bowler.
Indeed, he only played 21 Tests for England, his international career coming to a premature conclusion when he refused a request by the MCC to sign a letter of apology due to be sent to the Australian Cricket Board and its players.
He took 78 wickets for his country and also managed a highest score of 98 with the bat. Larwood continued to be a prolific wicket-taker in county action before retiring to run a confectionery shop.
He eventually decided to emigrate to Australia, of all places, after World War II and quickly found that the locals were willing to forgive and forget. He died in Sydney, where he was given life membership of the SCG, at the age of 90.
International Career Stats:
| Batting | ||
|---|---|---|
| Career Span: | 1926 - 1933 | |
| Matches: | 21 | |
| Innings: | 28 | |
| Not outs: | 3 | |
| Runs: | 485 | |
| Highest Score: | 98 | |
| Average: | 19 | |
| 50s: | 2 | |
| 100s: | 0 | |
| Ducks: | 4 | |
| Pairs: | 0 | |
| Catches: | 15 | |
| Stumping: | 0 | |
| Bowling | ||
| Innings bowled: | 52 | |
| Overs: | 828.1 | |
| Maidens: | 167 | |
| Runs conceded: | 2212 | |
| Wickets: | 78 | |
| 5 Wicket Innings: | 4 | |
| 10 Wicket matches: | 0 | |
| Average: | 28.36 | |
| Economy Rate: | 2.67 | |
| Best bowling in Innings: | 6/32 | |
| No batting stats | ||
|---|---|---|
| No bowling stats |
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