Watch: Jim Laker records the best bowling figures in Test history

Watch: Jim Laker records the best bowling figures in Test history: On July 31, 1956 Jim Laker took 19 wickets in a Test against Australia to record the best bowling figures in Test history, with this he also broke all records in the history of cricket. It was the third Ashes Test which was being played at Old Trafford. Off spinner Laker recorded the best ever bowling figures in a Test, a record that stands till-date.

England had won the toss and elected to bat first. They put up a huge score of 459 with Peter Richardson and David Shepherd scoring tons. But it was Laker’s spell of 16.4-37-9 that helped England bundle out the Australians for just 84. Laker however returned with an even better performance to take all ten wickets, his figures for the second innings read, 51.2-53-10, with 19 for 90 in the match.

Also Read – Top 10 Best bowling figures in Tests

Only Anil Kumble has emulated Laker by taking all 10 wickets in an innings but, on that occasion, he had managed only four in the first innings. If you were to bet on one record that would stand longer than all others, place your money on Laker’s 19 for 90. England won by an innings and 170 runs, and with the next Test at the Oval ending in a draw, England also won the Ashes.

It is the only time a bowler has taken more than 17 wickets in a first class game. The interesting thing about those 19 wickets was none of them was caught in the deep while attempting a lofted hit. Each one was foxed beautifully by the flight and guile of the offie. It was by every standards a classic exhibition of spin bowling which will be etched in everyone’s memories in days to come.

Watch: Jim Laker records the best bowling figures in Test history: