"Bodyline", the word coined to describe a method of attack that involved bowling fast rising deliveries aimed at the batsman's head and body with a ring of cloe in fieldsmen on the leg side poised for a catch.
Used in the 1932-33 Ashes Test Series, that pitted Bradman against Jardine and soured Anglo-Australian relations for years.
Bodyline bowling and the events that transpired during the 1932-33 Test Series between Australia and England spread far beyond the cricket field. The furore created by 'Bodyline' soured Anglo-Australian relations and caused diplomatic shock-waves felt in the corridors of Canberra and Whitehall.
What the cricket world came to know as 'Bodyline' were tactics primarily used by the English Captain, Douglas Jardine to curb the prolific scoring of Australia's batting genius, Don Bradman. The bowlers who spearheaded the 'Bodyline' assault were the opening pair from Nottingham, Harold Larwood and Bill Voce.
The immortal words uttered by Australian's Captain Bill Woodfull have now become a part of cricket folklore;
"There are two teams out there, one is playing cricket. The other is making no attempt to do so!"
The documentary draws on archival film, photographs and interviews with historians, writers and family members of some of the principle characters involved in the 'Bodyline' saga.
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