The cricketing fraternity often uses the term ‘Captain’s Knock’ to describe occasions where a captain changes the course of a match with their batting. This is because, in the long history of the game, there are numerous examples of captains who have had a significant impact through their batting. Whether it’s a brilliant counterattack or dogged defense, a captain’s batting can frustrate opposition bowlers and change the outcome of a match.
In contrast, the term ‘Captain’s Spell’ is not commonly used. Generally, in test cricket, captaincy is seen as a job for the batters, and teams only look for a bowling captain in desperate situations. However, the Australian selectors have been conservative in this regard.
Despite this, there have been several memorable bowling efforts by Australian captains. Here are 7 notable examples:
7. George Giffen (5-76 v England, Adelaide 1895)
Giffen became the first Australian skipper to take a test wicket when he bowled out his rival skipper Andrew Stoddart for 173 at the MCG. He went on to take five more wickets in the 2nd innings to finish with figures of 6-155 in a match-winning effort in Adelaide.
6. Pat Cummins (3-23 v Pakistan, Lahore, 2022)
Cummins’ 2nd innings bowling in Lahore had a greater impact on the match than his 5-56 in the first innings. With the home side needing 350 to win in the 4th innings, Cummins used reverse swing to dismiss key batsmen, ultimately securing a memorable victory for his team.
5. Ian Johnson (7-44 v West Indies, Georgetown 1955)
Johnson’s off spin played a crucial role in Australia’s victory in the 3rd test against the West Indies in Georgetown, leading them to triumph by 8 wickets.
4. Hugh Trumble (5-62 v England, MCG, 1902)
Trumble’s spell at the MCG changed the course of the match as he dismissed England’s openers, including rival captain Archie Maclaren, leading Australia to victory.
3. Pat Cummins (5-49 v Pakistan, MCG 2023)
Cummins’ five-for in the first innings and a decisive spell late on day 4 secured a 4-day victory for Australia against Pakistan.
2. Allan Border (7-46 v West Indies, SCG 1989)
Border’s left-arm spin demolished the West Indies’ batting lineup at the SCG, leading Australia to victory in a series that they were losing.
1. Richie Benaud (6-70 v England, Old Trafford 1961)
Benaud’s match-winning spell against England secured the Ashes for Australia. With his shoulder injury and struggles in the series, he turned the match in Australia’s favor, ultimately leading them to victory.
In addition to these standout performances by Australian captains, other notable mentions include Bob Simpson, Greg Chappell, and Michael Clarke, who contributed significantly with both bat and ball during their captaincies. Simpson’s all-round performance against India in 1967 and Chappell’s bowling effort in Karachi are particularly noteworthy.