3. Bodyline

Legends of the Ashes

The 1932/3 Ashes in Australia was one of the most volatile contests in sporting history.

This was down to the phenomenon that was Donald Bradman and England’s desperate attempts to stop him scoring masses of runs, something they were far too familiar with at that point.

The plan was a revenge mission called Leg Theory, which involved targeting Bradman’s body with quick, hostile bowling.

The brutal approach created bad blood between the sides, a near riot in Adelaide and even forced prime ministers to get involved just to keep the series going.