The Underarm Incident 1981: Cricket's Most Controversial Delivery
Australia's Trevor Chappell bowled underarm on the last ball of an ODI against New Zealand in 1981 on instruction from captain Greg Chappell — a legal but deeply unsporting act that outraged New Zealand and triggered rule changes.
The underarm incident of 1 February 1981 is one of cricket's most notorious moments — a legal action that was universally condemned as against the spirit of the game and led to permanent rule changes. In the final game of the Benson & Hedges World Series Cup triangular tournament in Melbourne, New Zealand needed six off the last ball to tie the match (and win the series on run rate). Australia captain Greg Chappell instructed his brother Trevor Chappell to bowl the last delivery underarm, rolling it along the ground. Batsman Brian McKechnie could only block it and threw his bat away in disgust. New Zealand won nothing.
Immediate Reaction
The reaction was swift and furious. New Zealand Prime Minister Robert Muldoon called it 'the most disgusting incident I can recall in the history of cricket.' Australia's own Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser said it was 'contrary to the spirit of cricket.' Greg Chappell himself later admitted it was wrong. The New Zealand players and crowd reacted with immediate anger. Australian wicketkeeper Rod Marsh, standing at the stumps, shook his head at the decision. Even within the Australian dressing room, the instruction was unpopular.
Rule Changes and Legacy
The incident led to an immediate rule change — underarm bowling was banned from cricket at all levels within days of the incident. Though it had been technically legal at the time, it was quickly removed from the permissible methods of delivery. The Chappell brothers' reputations — particularly Greg's as Australia's captain — suffered lasting damage. The incident became the definitive example in cricket of an action that was within the laws but clearly outside the spirit, and is referenced whenever the debate about cricket's ethics and spirit arises.
Frequently asked questions
What was the underarm incident in 1981?
In an ODI final in Melbourne in 1981, Australia captain Greg Chappell instructed his brother Trevor to bowl the last ball underarm (along the ground) to prevent New Zealand's Brian McKechnie from hitting a six to tie the match. It was legal at the time but universally condemned as unsporting.
What rule change resulted from the underarm incident?
Underarm bowling was banned from cricket at all levels within days of the incident. It had been technically legal before 1981 but was immediately prohibited after the controversy.
Who criticised Australia for the underarm incident?
New Zealand PM Robert Muldoon, Australian PM Malcolm Fraser, and Greg Chappell himself all publicly criticised the action. It was condemned at the highest political and cricket administrative levels in both countries.