Sporting icons : Ray Lindwall: Australia's Fast Bowling Legend, career HLs & video

 

Raymond Russell Lindwall, born on October 3, 1921, in Mascot, New South Wales, Australia, is considered one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of cricket. Renowned for his deadly pace, smooth action, and sharp swing, Lindwall was a key figure in Australia's post-World War II cricketing success. Alongside his bowling partner Keith Miller, Lindwall formed one of the most feared new-ball pairs in cricket.

Style of Play

Ray Lindwall was a right-arm fast bowler with a natural athleticism and a smooth, classical bowling action. He was known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and to generate genuine pace, often clocking speeds that troubled even the best batsmen of his era. Lindwall’s bowling was not just about raw speed; his control and tactical acumen made him equally dangerous on pitches that did not assist fast bowlers.

Lindwall could move the ball both in the air and off the seam, making him highly effective in a variety of conditions. He also possessed a devastating bouncer and yorker, which added to his reputation as a lethal strike bowler. His batting, while often overshadowed by his bowling, was respectable, making him a useful lower-order all-rounder.

Career Highlights in Detail

Test Career

Ray Lindwall had an illustrious Test career for Australia, which spanned from 1946 to 1960, playing 61 Tests and taking 228 wickets at an average of 23.03, with 12 five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket match hauls.

1. Debut and Early Success:

Lindwall made his Test debut against New Zealand in 1946 and quickly established himself as one of the world's leading fast bowlers.

His breakout series came during Australia’s 1946–47 Ashes series against England, where he took 34 wickets in five matches, helping Australia retain the Ashes.

2. The 1948 Invincibles:

Lindwall was a key member of Don Bradman’s 1948 Australian team, known as the Invincibles, who toured England without losing a single match. Lindwall took 27 wickets in the series, playing a crucial role in Australia’s dominant 4-0 Ashes win.

His finest performance in the series came at Lord’s, where he took 6/20, helping Australia to a commanding victory.

3. Ashes Heroics (1950s):

Lindwall continued to terrorize England during multiple Ashes series in the 1950s. In the 1954-55 Ashes, despite Australia losing the series, Lindwall was one of the standout bowlers, taking 26 wickets at an average of 20.96.

He achieved his best Test figures of 7/63 against the West Indies in 1952, showcasing his ability to destroy batting lineups.

4. Late Career and Retirement:

Although he was not as fast in the later years of his career, Lindwall remained highly effective. He played his last Test in 1960 and retired with 228 Test wickets, which was the highest by any Australian fast bowler at the time.

First-Class Career

Lindwall's first-class career was equally impressive. He played 228 first-class matches, taking 794 wickets at an average of 21.04. He also scored over 5,000 runs in first-class cricket, making him a valuable all-rounder for New South Wales and Australia.

Lindwall was a key figure in New South Wales' dominance in the Sheffield Shield, Australia’s domestic first-class competition, contributing with both bat and ball.

His all-round ability was highlighted in many matches, including a memorable performance in which he took 7/38 in an innings for New South Wales.

Legacy

1. One of the Greatest Fast Bowlers Ever: Ray Lindwall is regarded as one of the finest fast bowlers in the history of cricket. His ability to combine pace, swing, and accuracy made him a complete bowler, and he was one of the first to revolutionize fast bowling in the post-war era. His smooth action and control set a template for future fast bowlers to emulate.

2. The Lindwall-Miller Duo: Along with Keith Miller, Lindwall formed one of the most lethal new-ball partnerships in cricket. The pair complemented each other perfectly, with Miller’s flamboyance and Lindwall’s metronomic precision striking fear into opposition batting lineups.

3. Influence on Future Generations: Lindwall's success as a fast bowler paved the way for future Australian fast-bowling greats such as Dennis Lillee and Glenn McGrath. His legacy lives on in the Australian cricketing tradition of producing world-class fast bowlers.

4. Respected All-Rounder: Although Lindwall’s bowling is what he is best remembered for, his contributions with the bat should not be overlooked. He scored 1,502 Test runs at an average of 21.15, including two centuries, making him one of the more reliable lower-order batsmen of his time.

5. Cricketer of the Year: Lindwall was named one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year in 1949, cementing his reputation as one of the most influential players of his era.

In conclusion, Ray Lindwall's combination of pace, swing, and skill made him one of cricket’s all-time great fast bowlers. His achievements, both in Test cricket and first-class cricket, along with his contribution to Australia’s success in the 1940s and 1950s, ensure his legacy as one of the sport’s true legends.

In the below brief video  watch Lindwalls' bowling talents