The Scourge Of Bodyline

St George Cricket Club | February 18, 2026

He may have been born in Cootamundra and raised in Bowral but in the white hot Bodyline summer of 1932-33 it was the St George District Cricket Club, which possessively lay claim to Don Bradman.

At twenty four Bradman was the world’s foremost batsman providing both solace and inspiration to a country racked by the Great Depression.

Yet, suddenly he was subjected to a dastardly assault orchestrated by England captain, Douglas Jardine, and executed by his loyal fast bowler, Harold Larwood.

Given Bradman was First Grade captain and attracting crowds of up to 10,000 to Hurstville Oval, the club’s staunch support and protectiveness was as commendable as it was understandable. As the Bodyline furore reached its deafening height in January, 1933, the management committee demanded to be heard.

Your committee feels that the form of attack known as Bodyline is not in the interest of cricket and urges every member of the club, to do everything possible within his power to eliminate it from the game. The high ideals associated with Cricket and the traditions handed down are in the hands of the present-day cricketers and legislators for their protection. It is the duty of all concerned to see those glorious ideals and standards so clearly cherished are not besmirched in the slightest degree.

Given his travails throughout the ashes series, Bradman showed extraordinary strength of mind and character to score 512 first grade runs at 170.66. 

Taken from the book A Century Of Achievement - The Players and People of the St George District Cricket Club by Mike Coward

Bill Woodfull ducks and nasty one during the bodyline series

Bert Oldfield not so lucky...