Case study 5: England versus Australia at Headingley in 1981

Australian captain Kim Hughes decided to enforce the follow-on. England proceeded to collapse on the Monday to 135 for 7, justifying Hughes' decision. Then Ian Botham and Graham Dilley launched a counter-attack that will live in many people's memories forever. England built a lead of 129, and thanks to aggressive bowling from Bob Willis, Australia were bowled out for 111. England won by 18 runs. This was one of only three occasions in Test history where the side following on has won the match.


Verdict

Nine out of 10 captains would have done the same as Kim Hughes. In hindsight, some suggested that his decision had been risky, but if Australia had batted on, there would have been a risk of not leaving enough time to bowl England out. The result of this match was freakish, but probably influenced many follow-on decisions in later years, making captains more cautious.


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