Oval 1968: Basil D'Oliveira and Derek Underwood create history and magic amidst untold drama

It was a drama in many acts at The Oval for the fifth Test in 1968. Basil D’Oliveira changed the course of history by scoring 158 — his runs as much against Australia as against the forces of apartheid. And then on the final day Derek Underwood beat the rains and a stubborn Australian resistance to square the series. Arunabha Sengupta looks back at one of the most impactful Tests in history. 
 

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Bodyline: The infamous cables

January 18, 1933. After captain Bill Woodfull had been struck on the heart, wicketkeeper Bert Oldfield hit on the temple in a near fatal blow, and several other batsmen battered and bruised, the Australian Board of Control finally sent a cable to lodge its protest to the Marylebone Cricket Club. Arunabha Sengupta looks back at the incidents that led to the missive, followed by the diplomatic blunders that resulted in continued bad blood.

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Ashes 1936-37 - Don Bradman and the best innings of the century

January 5, 1937. Don Bradman was under enormous pressure after losing his first two Tests as captain. He was plagued by a rare loss of form, discontent among players, press and public and a devastating personal tragedy. Yet, at Melbourne, he turned the series around with a blemish-less innings of 270. Arunabha Sengupta recalls the innings that had been ranked by Wisden as the best of all time.

 

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George Headley scores 223 in Timeless Test

April 10, 1930. George Headley engaged in a single-handed battle against the England side, in an effort to get to an impossible target of 826. He took his score to 223, and at one point of time it seemed that the miracle would be possible. Arunabha Sengupta remembers the timeless Test match at Jamaica which ended in a mutually agreed draw.

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Ashes 1899 - WG Grace's Last Test

June 1, 1899. The start of the last ever Test played by WG Grace. Curiously, it was the debut of another supreme batsman Victor Trumper. Arunabha Sengupta looks back at the match that convinced the father of modern cricket that his days for England were over.

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