Bradman breaks silence

Press, 29 January 1982, Page 24

Bradman breaks silence

PA Wellington Sir Donald Bradman has broken his silence on the infamous “underarm” incident, calling it “a blot on the spirit of the game which no apology from the Australian captain could erase.” Sir Donald’s statement came in an article he wrote in a souvenir programme for the forthcoming tour of New Zealand by the Australian cricket team. In a rare public comment, Sir Donald wrote of the New Zealanders’ visit to Australia

last season: “The New Zealanders, under the able and inspiring leadership of Geoff Howarth, put up some excellent performances but just failed to maintain the requisite consistency. “It must, in all fairness, be added that the team was a victim of cruel misfortune. Critical lbw decisions were turned down by the narrowest of margins. “Possibly the greatest outfield catch (taken by Martin Snedden off Greg Chappell in the “underarm” match). I have seen was disallowed,

though the television screen clearly revealed a clear catch.” And of the underarm ball delivered by Trevor Chappell under instructions from his brother, Greg, which was meant to deprive New Zealand of an opportunity to tie. the match by hitting a six off the last ball, Sir Donald wrote: “The sportsmanship of the captain,. Geoff Howarth, was quite outstanding, especially in a moment of extreme provocation, a blot on the spirit of the game.”