Let’s go back to 1933
The News in Adelaide captures the drama of the Bodyline Test match against England at Adelaide Oval in 1933.
The Bodyline Test at Adelaide Oval in 1933 attracted international attention and a record Saturday crowd of 50,962 and total attendance of 174,351 saw England defeat Australia by 338 runs.
The 1933 Bodyline Test at Adelaide Oval drew international attention with a record crowd of 50,962 on Saturday and a total of 174,351 spectators. England defeated Australia by 338 runs, sparking controversy over the “unsporting” bodyline tactics used by the English team.
Australian captain Bill Woodfull and Bert Oldfield were injured by bodyline bowling, with Woodfull struck over the heart and Oldfield suffering a fractured skull. Despite this, Woodfull continued to score 73 not out. The crowd’s anger grew, and mounted police were stationed to control the record attendance.
Two years earlier, Don Bradman had set the Oval’s highest Test score (229*), while Clarrie Grimmett claimed 14 wickets in Australia’s 10-wicket win. Bradman entered the 1932-33 Test with a batting average twice that of any other top batsman.