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The Bodyline Rhyme

Tensions may be mounting between England and Australia with the Ashes underway - but they would have to go a long way to match the events of the 1932-33 series.

Back then, England's tactic of bowling short-pitched deliveries at the bodies of the Australian players - known as Bodyline - proved hugely controversial - and even threatened diplomatic relations between the two countries!

England won the Bodyline series 4-1, but the aggressive tactic prompted changes to the laws of the game and endless debates about the rights and wrongs of short-pitched bowling.

What is less well known is that the Bodyline series also inspired a song in a piece of musical theatre performed in Sydney, after the series had finished in 1933.

Cricket enthusiast Jim Johnston has been researching the origins of the piece, and has re-recorded a version of the song especially for Stumped.

Photo: Bodyline series, 1932-33 (Getty Images)

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Duration:

4 minutes