Details below -- Who was to blame Larwood, Jardine or CA?

Question

LARWOODS story:

At the end of the series, Larwood was asked by the English cricketing hierarchy to apologise for his bowling. He refused, on the basis that he, as a professional cricketer, was obliged to follow the directions of his captain, whose responsibility the tactics were. Larwood never played cricket for England again, returning to Nottinghamshire where he played until 1938.

In 1953, Larwood emigrated to Australia, where he largely lived a quiet life. He was awarded an MBE in 1993.

Harold Larwood married Lois Bird, and had five children.

Who was to blame (This is an opinion question):

1. Douglas Jardine, for discovering and implementing the "fast-leg theory"

2. Harold Larwood who bowled fast deliveries with great accuracy

3. Austrailian CA

Finally do you think:

1. CA was right in threatening to pull out of the next Ashes and not finding a counter measure?

2. It was ok for Larwood to apologize but not Jardine? Why do you that happened?

Answer 1

Wow, that was a long question Rehman! I won't attempt to answer as I am  not au fait with the details. I am holidaying with my son in Dubbo NSW, as he has been ill. He is fine now. Today we are going to visit a tourist attraction, the old Dubbo gaol/jail. Next weekend I return to Sydney Cheers Rehman.

Answer 2

We can't be sitting in judgement of an issue that happened 75 years ago. The followers of cricket in those days probably judged it in favour of Australia. Larwood, Jardine and Voce never assumed the greatness that the intended foe (Don Bradman) was assigned.

Answer 3

I did read the rather long Q even though I am familiar with the story. Have seen a serial too.

IMHO both were to blame. Larwood could easily have said he could not bowl as asked and avoid it too.

If one were to be told to jump into a well by a boss, how man would actually jump in, I do wonder.

So Jardine was guilty, and so was Larwood. And it was his ball that hit.

Reminds me of a ball by Brett Lee that hit Sachin on the head in the Finals. Sachin was not amused. Even tho' Lee apologized, the Little Master's face showed it all. A very dignified disapproval.

It reminded us of Larwood.

Answer 4

Jardine was to blame - he chose to implement the tactics. Larwood sort of did the right thing. It is his duty to follow his captain's orders, although he could have discussed it fully with Jardine. Had he done this, the tactics could have been watered down and not been so unsporting.

However, everything surrounding the tactics, while obviously unsporting and I do not for a moment condone the intential causing of injury to any player, were within the laws of the game at the time. Only after the series was the law that states only 2 may field behind square on the leg side implemented.