Births on February 11

Bill Lawry, Australian cricketer and sportscaster

William Morris Lawry: An Australian Cricket Icon

William "Bill" Morris Lawry (born 11 February 1937) stands as a legendary figure in Australian cricket, having distinguished himself as both a formidable opening batsman and a respected captain for the Australian national team, following a successful tenure with his home state, Victoria. His career spanned a pivotal era, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

A Master of Resolute Defence: Lawry's Batting Style

Lawry forged a reputation as an opening batsman defined by his unwavering resolve and an almost impenetrable defence. He possessed an extraordinary ability to occupy the crease for extended periods, wearing down opposition bowlers with immense concentration and patience. While not known for flamboyant strokeplay, his steadfastness was a crucial asset to the Australian batting lineup. As his career matured, Lawry's style became even more focused on stonewalling, a characteristic that led an English journalist, John Woodcock of The Times, to famously describe him as "the corpse with pads on." This memorable, albeit pointed, observation encapsulated his deep-seated defensive approach, prioritizing wicket preservation over aggressive scoring.

Throughout his illustrious Test career, Bill Lawry played in 67 matches, accumulating 5,234 runs at a solid average of 37.91. His resilience at the top of the order was further highlighted by his achievement of 13 centuries and 27 half-centuries, demonstrating his consistent ability to build significant innings for Australia.

Leadership and Historical Milestones

Lawry's leadership was a significant chapter in his career. He captained Australia in 25 Test matches, guiding the team to nine victories, enduring eight losses, and drawing eight. This record reflects a competitive, often hard-fought, period for Australian cricket under his stewardship.

Beyond Test cricket, Lawry holds a unique place in history as the captain of Australia in the inaugural One Day International (ODI) match. This landmark event took place on 5 January 1971, against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The match was hastily arranged after the third Test of the 1970–71 Ashes series was washed out, marking the unexpected birth of a format that would revolutionize cricket globally. Australia emerged victorious in this historic encounter, further cementing Lawry's name in the annals of the sport.

The Controversial Sacking: A Stain on Australian Cricket

One of the most unfortunate and widely criticized incidents in Australian cricket history revolves around Bill Lawry's unceremonious dismissal from captaincy and the team. During the crucial final Test of the 1970–71 Ashes series against England in Australia, Lawry was dropped, a decision that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world.

What made the sacking particularly distasteful was the manner in which it was handled. Lawry was not informed personally of the selectors' decision by the Australian Cricket Board. Instead, the news was first broadcast on radio, and he only became aware of his fate when confronted by reporters seeking his comments on the announcement. This profound lack of respect and professional courtesy, by a selection panel that reportedly included Sir Donald Bradman as chairman, left an enduring scar on Lawry and remains a poignant example of poor administrative conduct in the sport.

From Pitch to Commentary Box: A Beloved Voice of Cricket

Following his playing career, Bill Lawry transitioned seamlessly into the world of cricket commentary, where he found a new generation of admirers. He became an iconic voice for the Nine Network's cricket coverage, a role he held for an incredible 45 years until his retirement from regular commentary in 2018. His distinctive, passionate, and often excitable style endeared him to millions of fans across Australia and beyond.

Lawry's commentary was synonymous with phrases that became part of the Australian cricketing lexicon, such as his enthusiastic exclamations of "It's all happening!" when a flurry of wickets or action occurred, "Got him, yes!" for a dismissal, and "What a superb catch!" His genuine love for the game, and his well-known fondness for pigeons, added a unique charm to his broadcasts, making him one of the most beloved figures in Australian sports media for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bill Lawry

What was Bill Lawry primarily known for as a cricketer?

Bill Lawry was primarily known for his resolute defence and immense concentration as an opening batsman, often frustrating bowlers by occupying the crease for long periods. He also captained Australia in both Test and the inaugural One Day International match.

When did Bill Lawry captain Australia in the first One Day International?

Bill Lawry captained Australia in the first-ever One Day International match on 5 January 1971, against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Why was Bill Lawry's sacking from the Australian team so controversial?

His sacking was controversial because he was not personally informed by the selectors; instead, he learned of the decision via a radio broadcast and from confronting reporters, an act widely regarded as disrespectful and unprofessional.

How long was Bill Lawry a cricket commentator for the Nine Network?

Bill Lawry was a cricket commentator for the Nine Network for an impressive 45 years, from his post-playing career until his retirement from the role in 2018.