Monday, December 20, 2004

McGrath's devastating bowling

At Perth McGrath created havoc in Pakistan camps as he scythed through the top order taking the first seven wickets in Pakistan's second innings. McGrath ended with incredible figures of 8 for 24 as Australia handed Pakistan their worst defeat in Test cricket.

The only Australian to better McGrath's performance was spinner Arthur Mailey, who picked up nine for 121 against England in Melbourne in 1920-21.

Interestingly McGrath had not achieved a five-for at Perth before - 4 for 49 against Pakistan in 1999-00 being his previous best.

McGrath’s figures the third most devastating in Test cricket by a bowler picking up 8 wickets in an innings. The details:

Most devastating 8-wicket innings hauls 

Fig   Bowler	  For  Vs  Venue	  Season

8-7   GA Lohmann  Eng  SA  Port Elizabeth 1895-96

8-11  J Briggs    Eng  SA  Cape Town	  1888-89

8-24  GD McGrath  Aus  Pak Perth	  2004-05

8-29  SF Barnes   Eng  SA  The Oval	  1912

8-29  CEH Croft   WI   Pak Port-of-Spain  1976-77

8-31  F Laver	  Aus  Eng Old Trafford   1909

8-31  FS Trueman  Eng  Ind Old Trafford   1952

8-34  IT Botham   Eng  Pak Lord's	  1978

8-35  GA Lohmann  Eng  Aus Sydney	  1886-87

8-38  GD McGrath  Aus  Eng Lord's	  1997

8-38  LR Gibbs    WI   Ind Bridgetown	  1961-62

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