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.”
Read More: Harold Larwood – Fastest Bowler of His Generation
