Harold Larwood

HAROLD LARWOOD d1995. English fast bowler who along with Douglas Jardine perfected a way of bowling at the Australians in the now infamous 1932-33 cricket series known as "Bodyline". The Australians' described the method as "unsportsmanlike" and it soured cricketing relations between the two countries. During subsequent efforts to heal the breach, Harold Larwood refused to apologise for his bowling, since he was carrying out his captain's instructions. He never played for England after the 1932–33 tour, but continued his county career with Nottinghamshire with considerable success until 1938. In 1985, he was given honorary life membership of the Sydney Cricket Ground and in England, the Larwood and Voce Stand was opened at Trent Bridge. In June 1993, in the Queens Birthday Honours List, he was appointed an MBE for services to cricket. Of this award, Today newspaper commented : "At last the ruling classes honour the man who carried the can for their savage arrogance ...". In his final years, he withdrew his claims that Don Bradman had been frightened of him and acknowledged his Australian foe as the greatest batsman of all time. He was gradually losing his sight (although he retained his alertness) and on his 90th birthday was able to join in a game of garden cricket with his great-grandchildren. He died in hospital in Australia on 22nd July 1995 aged 90, following a brief illness.