Leg Theory and Bodyline: Cricket's Most Controversial Bowling Strategy
The Bodyline series of 1932-33 remains cricket's greatest controversy. Learn what leg theory was, why England used it, how Australia reacted, and the rule changes it prompted.
Frequently asked questions
Was Bodyline bowling actually illegal at the time?
No — the Laws of Cricket in 1932-33 did not specifically prohibit leg-theory bowling or the field settings Jardine employed. The Bodyline controversy was fought on the grounds of 'the spirit of cricket' rather than the Laws themselves — the Australian Board argued that even if the tactics were technically legal, they violated the unwritten rules of fair play and were deliberately designed to injure. The subsequent Law changes made elements of the Bodyline field setting (specifically the number of leg-side fielders behind the crease) illegal, closing the loophole.
Was Harold Larwood the only Bodyline bowler?
Larwood was the primary and most successful Bodyline bowler — his extreme pace (around 145-150km/h by estimates from contemporary accounts) made the tactic most dangerous when he operated. Bill Voce was the second Bodyline bowler in England's attack, also left-arm fast-medium and capable of directing the ball at the body. Other England pacers of the era attempted the tactic with less success — Larwood's exceptional pace was the key ingredient that made Bodyline so physically threatening. After the 1932-33 series, Larwood never played Test cricket again (refusing to apologise to the MCC for Bodyline) — one of cricket's great ironies.