The story traces back to 1882, five years after the first official test match between England and Australia was played. Frederick Spofforth, the 6’3” tall and lean fast bowler from Australia had already earned a reputation for being an aggressive and intimidating cricketer. In a test match in 1879, he tormented the English batting line up, picking up 13 wickets in the match, which also included the first Test hat-trick.
He earned himself the title ‘The Demon’ for his spirited personality, unique physical traits and devilish ability to take wickets. Spofforth possessed an innate ability to skillfully deceive the batsman by varying his pace and was a master in reading the batter's weak points. His most impactful performance came in the Oval Test of 1882.
The nerve-wrecking Oval Test of 1882 is remembered with the same enthusiasm even today. A rain affected gripping encounter, involving two competitive sides and a heated verbal clash between two prominent personalities - this match could give any suspense thriller film a run for its money.
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The Australian skipper Billy Murdoch won the toss and elected to bat first. But the decision heavily backfired as Australia were cleaned up for a meagre 63. Spofforth rose to the occasion to keep Australia in the game. He took 7 wickets by giving just 46 runs from his 36.3 overs to restrict England to 101.
The wicket was damp and the conditions were challenging to bat. The visitors struggled again in the 2nd innings as their innings folded for 122, leaving England with 85 runs to chase. However, a verbal spat between Spofforth and the legendary W.G. Grace after the conclusion of the second inning captured the attention of the world.
Australia’s Sammy Jones left his crease to curate the pitch, assuming the ball was dead. Grace took this as an opportunity to run him out. Though Grace took pride that he had taught an inexperienced folk a valuable lesson, Spofforth was furious with his act. After the innings, he stormed into the England’s dressing room and called W.G. Grace a cheat. The incensed fast bowler didn’t mince his words and even told Grace that this incident will cost England the match. Thus began a long and still continuing rivalry between the two teams.
Spofforth was pumped up after the incident. The fire-spitting demon cleaned up skipper Monkey Hornby and Dick Barlow in a succession of two consecutive deliveries. Grace and Ulyett held on to their nerves and took the score to 51. An England win was looking a certainty.
But Spofforth bounced back, getting Ulyett caught behind. He got rid of Lucas, Lyttelton, Read and Steel within the space of a paltry nine runs. Grace couldn't resist keeping down one from Harry Boyle and was taken at mid-off.
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England were now at 75-8 requiring 10 more to win. As reported from various accounts, a spectator collapsed on the ground due to a burst blood vessel, unable to bear the tension of the match. Billy Boyle finished off the proceedings and England were skittled out for 77. Australia had won by 7 runs. Spofforth took 7-44 from his 28 overs and picked a total of 14 wickets in the match. This match turned Spofforth as the most feared bowler in the English cricketing circles.
An eerie silence engulfed the stadium. England had been beaten at home for the first time. Scathing attacks were made from all corners, including the English press. A young journalist Reginald Shirley Brooks wrote a mock obituary which was published in the Sporting Times on 2 September 1882. It read:
In affectionate remembrance of English Cricket, which died at the oval on 29th August, 1882. Deeply lamented by a large circle of sorrowing friends and acquaintances. R.I.P
N.B. - The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.
This was the beginning of the world’s most exciting rivalries - The Ashes.
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