Clarrie Grimmett’s pinpoint leg breaks claimed six English wickets in the second innings of the 1930 Lord’s test, helping Australia to a famous win and ultimately a series victory.
Batting first, K.S. Duleep’s highest test score of 173 took England to 425 all out - seemingly a competitive total. The Australians were quick to prove otherwise though, as 254 from a certain Donald Bradman propelled them to a towering 729/6 declared.
Needing 304 to even make their opponents bat again, captain Percy Chapman scored a defiant 122 as England refused to rollover. But the relentless Grimmett was not to be denied, never letting his prey out of sight, rewarded for his asphyxiating accuracy with figures of 6-167.
England’s battling 375 was enough only to set a target of 72, which Australia knocked off three wickets down. An innings defeat for England at The Oval was enough to give Australia a 2-1 series triumph as the Ashes remained Down Under.
Grimmett was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year for his performances in the 1930 series, and later became the first bowler to reach 200 test wickets.