Greatest Cricket Moments

Tim Wall's 10 for 36 — Sheffield Shield Record, Sydney, 1932

1932-02-04New South Wales v South AustraliaSheffield Shield, New South Wales v South Australia, Sydney1 min readSeverity: Serious

Summary

On 4 February 1932 Tim Wall took 10 for 36 in 12.4 overs against New South Wales at the SCG, one of only a handful of first-class instances of all ten wickets in Australia and the only one in the history of the Sheffield Shield. The figures, achieved on a damaged pitch, remain a record in the competition.

Background

Wall was Australia's best inter-war fast-medium bowler and would tour England in 1934 and 1938. NSW were the strongest Sheffield Shield side of the era.

What Happened

Wall, a 27-year-old fast-medium bowler from South Australia, opened the bowling on the third morning after rain had affected the pitch overnight. New South Wales had to bat last on a wearing surface; Wall's first ball had Wendell Bill caught behind, and he never let the line go.

His spell — 12.4 overs, two maidens, 36 runs, 10 wickets — accounted for both openers, included Bradman caught for a duck and finished off the tail with bowled and lbw decisions. He bowled four batsmen, had three caught behind by Charlie Walker and trapped two more in the cordon. New South Wales were dismissed for 113.

The figures bettered Hugh Trumble's 9 for 39 (1903) and have not been matched in Sheffield Shield cricket since.

Key Moments

1

Rain damages pitch overnight.

2

Wall opens bowling on day three; first ball Wendell Bill caught behind.

3

Bradman bowled cheaply.

4

Four bowled, three caught behind, two more caught.

5

12.4 overs, 36 runs, 10 wickets.

6

NSW all out 113.

Timeline

2 Feb 1932

Match begins at SCG; SA bat first.

3 Feb evening

Rain falls overnight.

4 Feb morning

Wall opens bowling; takes nine before lunch.

4 Feb afternoon

Final wicket; figures 10-36.

Notable Quotes

“The ball did just enough.”

— Tim Wall, in laconic post-match words

Aftermath

Wall played in the 1932-33 Bodyline series for Australia, was Australia's pace spearhead in 1934, and ended his career with 56 Test wickets at 35.89. His 10/36 remains the only all-ten haul in Sheffield Shield history.

⚖️ The Verdict

The lone all-ten haul in Sheffield Shield history and one of the most astonishing single spells of inter-war Australian first-class cricket.

Legacy & Impact

The 10 for 36 is the only entry in Sheffield Shield's 'all-ten' record column, often used as the defining bowling feat of pre-war Australian first-class cricket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Wall dismiss Bradman?▾
Yes — bowled cheaply in NSW's collapse.
Has the figure been beaten?▾
Not in the Sheffield Shield.
How did Wall finish his career?▾
Test record of 56 wickets at 35.89; toured England in 1930, 1934 and 1938.

Tags

#tim-wall#sheffield-shield#1932#10-wickets#south-australia#new-south-wales#first-class-record

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