Archive · 2 Feb 2026
1981 Underarm Scandal: Cricket's Darkest Moment
In 1981, during a cricket match between Australia and New Zealand, the Australian captain Greg Chappell told his brother Trevor to bowl the ball along the ground instead of pitching it normally.
This was to stop New Zealand from scoring the runs they needed to tie the match.
The crowd and players were shocked and angry, and many people thought it was unfair.
After this, the rules of cricket were changed to say that underarm bowling is not allowed in one-day matches.
Greg Chappell felt very bad about it, especially when a little girl told him he cheated.
This event is remembered as one of the darkest moments in cricket history.
Greg Chappell instructed his brother Trevor to bowl an underarm delivery to prevent a tie in a 1981 cricket match.
The controversial move shocked the crowd and players, leading to widespread outrage and boos.
A young girl confronted Greg Chappell, telling him he cheated, which deeply affected him.
The incident led to changes in cricket rules, banning underarm bowling in one-day matches.
Greg Chappell later admitted it was a mistake and carried the guilt of the incident for years.
- Who
- Greg Chappell (Australia captain), Trevor Chappell (bowler), Brian McKechnie (New Zealand batsman)
- What
- Greg Chappell instructed his brother Trevor to bowl an underarm delivery to prevent a tie
- When
- February 1981
- Where
- Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Australia
- Why
- To prevent New Zealand from tying the match and to protest the grueling schedule
- Date
- February 1981
- Location
- Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
- Teams Involved
- Australia vs. New Zealand
- Key Players
- Greg Chappell, Trevor Chappell, Brian McKechnie, John Edgar
- Outcome
- Australia won; ICC banned underarm bowling in ODIs
- Impact
- Changed cricket rules and public perception of sportsmanship