Harold Larwood's name will forever be linked to the Bodyline series of 1932-33 in Australia. Many people remembering him as 'that bowler from the Bodyline series', and sadly not for many of his other achievements throughout his career and family life.

It was his last Tour for England and after an international career that spanned a little over 6 years, it came to an abrupt end at the hands of the administrators. While playing in his final Test in Sydney he suffered an injury to his foot and he was never the same again. Even though he received telegrams of support from the MCC during the controversial tour, he returned home to an unsavoury welcome from the members at Lords.

Asked to apologise for the way he bowled at the Australians during the tour, he refused and even under the threat of never playing for his beloved country again, he stuck to his principles. The MCC stuck to theirs and a stalemate was reached; Harold never played for England again. However Harold never regretted his decision and in later years commented 'I'm still glad to this day I never apologised'.

Of average height and build, he made his debut for Nottinghamshire in 1924 and he was to go on and play 361 matches for the county.

Two years later, he made his Test debut at Lord's against Australia, the same year he played his first full season for Nottinghamshire.

He took six wickets against the Australians at the Oval during that series, helping England to regain the Ashes.

He toured Australia with Percy Chapman's successful side of 1928/29, but was mostly un-penetrative, although at the old Exhibition ground in Brisbane he achieved a match-winning and career best of 6 for 32, together with a score of 70.

When Australia came to England in 1930, Larwood suffered at the hands of Bradman. In three Tests, his four wickets cost 292 runs.

Running in from about 18 yards and accelerating with controlled rhythmic strides, he would open his shoulders by fully extending his arms into a great arc. He was a lethal bowler.

In the series, Larwood captured 33 wickets, 16 of them clean-bowled and together with Bill Voce and Bill Bowes, England destroyed Australia with a 4-1 defeat.

In the fifth Test at Sydney, coming in as night watchman, 'Lol' scored 98, for which he was cheered whole-heartedly.

In 21 Test matches, he took 78 wickets, averaging 28.35. Five times he headed the English first-class bowling averages (1927; 1928; 1931; 1932; 1936) and eight times took 100 wickets in a season.

His career figures were 1,427 first-class wickets (ave: 17.15), 743 of whom were bowled.

Harold retired from cricket in 1938 and in the early 50's he and his growing family emigrated to the very land where he had encountered so much hostility - Australia.

It always amazed Harold how warmly he and his family were received. In 1993, he was awarded the MBE by Prime Minister John Major - a belated waft of the olive branch from Establishment circles. Too little too late.

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