One of the most frightening exhibitions of fast bowling

Cricket in the UK

Bouncers

In one of the most frightening exhibitions of fast bouncing bowling ever seen at Old Trafford occurred in 1948 during the England -v- Australia Test match.

Lindwall was apparently awesome. He almost paralysed Compton's left arm, then, with a "no-ball" so much over the crease that he let the ball go its vicious way far down the pitch, he struck Compton's forehead as in fact Compton actually tried to hook and the missile flew off the edge of his bat. Compton staggered and was led from the field, his forehead bleeding. Stitches were sewn into the wound. He wanted to resume his innings but was advised by a doctor to rest awhile. Bill Edrich held the fort bravely.

Compton, amazingly went to a net to find out if he could still see a quick ball, then resumed his Test match innings, stayed until close of play, and next morning carried his score to 145 not out.

As Wisden recorded, Lindwall bowled bouncers with such force and dangerous aim that during this season of 1948 he knocked-out or hurt Compton, Todd, Washbrook [a great hooker], Keeton, Robertson and Watkins.