Controversies are part of sports and cricket is no different. Cricket is termed as The Gentlemen’s Game but there are many moments when players bring shame to the spirit of the game with their actions. Sometimes, players have also faced massive criticisms for their actions and given severe punishment, leading to a big controversy.
Australia is one team that has been involved in many controversies in the past. There have been many incidents when Australian players violated the spirit of the game. Many of these incidents were caught on camera and are still serves as examples of the biggest controversies in cricket. Here we look at the 5 biggest controversies in Australian cricket history.
5 Biggest Controversies In Australian Cricket History
Trevor Chappell Bowls Underarm Ball
During an ODI match between Australia and New Zealand in 1981 at Melbourne Cricket Stadium, Australian skipper Greg Chappell and Trevor Chappell were heavily criticized for hampering the spirit of the game of cricket. It was the third ODI between Australia and New Zealand of the 5-match ODI series. The series was tied at 1-1. On the last ball of the 2nd innings, New Zealand needed 7 runs to win and a six to tie the match.
Australia skipper Greg Chappel told the bowler and also his younger brother Trevor Chappell to bowl an underarm ball. Underarm balling was legal at that time but considered against the spirit of the game. Brian McKechnie was the New Zealand batsman on strike. As planned, Trevor bowled an underarm delivery so that the batsman would not get enough power and elevation to hit a six.
McKechnie blocked the ball away and threw his bat away in frustration. However, the Australian team and particularly Greg Chappel were heavily criticized for their actions. After the incident, ICC banned underarm bowling from cricket.