Harold Larwood said, One of the funniest incidents in my life occurred in the Newcastle game against the Northern Districts of New South Wales. A young batsman was facing me. I wasn’t bowling very vigorously at him. I was certain I had him dead in front with one and I appealed for lbw “Not out,” said the umpire. Next ball, I had him caught behind and appealed again. No dice! So, at the end of the over, I said to this young fellow: “Is this umpire your father?” “No,” he said, “he is my uncle?” Jardine Ardine looked at me. “Why don’t you want to play?” he asked. “Well, skipper,” I said, “I’ve bowled my inside out and we’ve won the Ashes. The pressure’s off now, and I could do with a rest.
Besides, I’ve never watched a Test Match in my life and I’d love to see one for a change.” We were in Newcastle, New South Wales, playing a match before the last Test in Sydney. I had just asked Jardine if he would rest me from the Test. I didn’t want to play. Jardine asked me a few more questions and I thought he would agree to leave me out. “I’d love to watch a Test Match, skipper,” I repeated. Jardine suddenly decided: “I’m sorry, Harold. I can’t grant you the favor.” Then, pressing down on a nearby table with his right thumb and screwing it hard to the right, he said: “We’ve got the bastards down there and we’ll keep them there.”
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![Harold Larwood said, One of the funniest incidents in my life occurred in the Newcastle game against the Northern Districts of New South Wales. Harold Larwood said, One of the funniest incidents in my life occurred in the Newcastle game against the Northern Districts of New South Wales.](https://cricketthrills.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Harold-Larwood-bowling-at-a-bloke-who-averaged-99.94-during-the-famous-bodyline-ashes.jpg)