Greatest Cricket Moments

Richard Hadlee's 9 for 52 — The Gabba 1985

1985-11-08Australia, New ZealandAustralia v New Zealand, 1st Test, Brisbane, 1985-862 min readSeverity: Serious

Summary

Richard Hadlee took 9 for 52 in Australia's first innings at the Gabba in November 1985, the best single-innings figures by any fast bowler in the 20th century, and followed it with 6 for 71 in the second innings to set up an innings win.

Background

Hadlee, then 34, was at the peak of his powers and had taken over 250 Test wickets.

Build-Up

Coney's decision to bowl on a tinged Gabba pitch was vindicated within an hour as Hadlee swung the ball both ways.

What Happened

Jeremy Coney won the toss for New Zealand and put Australia in. Hadlee then produced one of the great fast-bowling spells in Test history — 9 for 52, with the only wicket he did not take being a running catch he himself held off Vaughan Brown's bowling at deep third man, denying himself the chance to become only the second man after Jim Laker to take all ten in a Test innings. Brown was given a maiden Test wicket; Hadlee was widely teased afterwards for the 'most generous' catch ever taken. Australia were dismissed for 179. New Zealand replied with 553 for 7 declared (Martin Crowe 188), and Hadlee returned to take 6 for 71 in the second innings for match figures of 15 for 123. New Zealand won by an innings and 41 runs. The 9 for 52 stood as the best Test innings figures by any fast bowler until equalled or surpassed by some, but it remains one of the most discussed individual bowling performances in Test history.

Key Moments

1

Coney puts Australia in

2

Hadlee dismisses 9 of the first 10

3

Hadlee catches Vaughan Brown's wicket at third man, denying himself a perfect ten

4

Australia all out 179

5

Match figures 15 for 123; NZ win by an innings and 41

Timeline

Day 1, morning

Coney inserts Australia

Day 1, afternoon

Hadlee 9/52; Australia 179 all out

Day 3

Crowe 188; NZ 553/7d

Day 4-5

Hadlee 6/71; NZ win by an innings and 41

Notable Quotes

“If I had my time again I would have dropped it.”

— Richard Hadlee (on the Vaughan Brown catch)

“He bowled like a magician. We had no idea where the next one was going.”

— Allan Border

Aftermath

Hadlee took 33 wickets in the three-Test series — a New Zealand record against Australia.

⚖️ The Verdict

The best single-innings Test figures by any fast bowler in the 20th century — and the catch Hadlee took to deny himself a perfect ten.

Legacy & Impact

Hadlee himself later joked that the third-man catch was 'the worst tactical decision of my career'. The figures remained a benchmark for fast bowlers for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Hadlee not take 10?▾
He took the catch off Vaughan Brown's bowling at deep third man rather than letting it drop, denying himself the tenth wicket.
What were his match figures?▾
Fifteen for 123 — 9/52 and 6/71.

Tags

#richard-hadlee#new-zealand#australia#brisbane#the-gabba#1985#fast-bowling#test-bowling-record#iconic-moment#vaughan-brown

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