The 1981 Underarm Incident: Cricket's Most Controversial Delivery
In February 1981, Australian captain Greg Chappell ordered his brother Trevor to bowl underarm to prevent New Zealand scoring a six off the last ball. The incident remains cricket's most notorious act of gamesmanship.
On 1 February 1981 in Melbourne, Australia faced New Zealand in a one-day international final. New Zealand needed 6 runs off the last ball to tie. Australian captain Greg Chappell ordered his brother Trevor, the bowler, to deliver the final ball underarm along the ground — making it impossible for batter Brian McKechnie to hit a six. McKechnie blocked the delivery and threw his bat away in disgust.
Why Was It Legal?
Under the rules at the time, underarm bowling was legal in ODIs. Australian captain Greg Chappell consulted the umpires before ordering the delivery. Umpire Don Weser confirmed it was within the rules, although he reportedly expressed his personal view that it was unsportsmanlike.
The Reaction
The incident caused immediate outrage. New Zealand Prime Minister Robert Muldoon called it 'the most disgusting incident I can recall in the history of cricket' and said it was 'appropriate that the Australian team were wearing yellow'. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser called it 'contrary to the spirit of cricket'. Greg Chappell later admitted it was wrong and publicly apologised.
Rule Change
Underarm bowling in international cricket was banned by the ICC shortly after the incident. The Laws of Cricket now specify that the ball must be bowled overarm (with the arm passing above the level of the elbow) in all international matches.
Frequently asked questions
Was underarm bowling legal in 1981?
Yes — underarm bowling was permitted under ODI rules in 1981. It was banned by the ICC shortly after the incident.
Did Greg Chappell apologise for the underarm delivery?
Yes — Chappell later admitted it was the wrong decision and apologised to New Zealand and to the spirit of the game.