Watch: The famously unusual dismissal of Lillee c Willey b Dilley

The 1979 Ashes Test between Australia and Perth at the WACA in Perth is infamously remembered for Dennis Lillee’s use of the aluminium bat on Day 1. The series, a three-Test one, also witnessed an unusual entry on the scorebook. From the moment the news had got out that Graham Dilley and Peter Willey had both been included in the England squad, the commentators had started contemplating whether there will be a Lillee c Willey b Dilley dismissal in the series. With Willey being primarily a batsman at this stage, the chances of seeing Lillee c Dilley b Willey were bleak.

As Dilley bowled a short one outside the off-stump, Lillee tried to steer him through a packed slip cordon. In trying to do so, the great fast bowler could only manage to fend it to Willey at gully. The press-box was mighty pleased with the moment being a commentator’s delight! On air was the great Tony Cozier, who seemed to have enjoyed this and announced the dismissal emphatically.

The dismissal was repeated time and again through the rest of the day, and the question about the most freakish scorecard entry in Test cricket gained popularity. The series though turned out to be a forgettable one for the visitors as Australia won it 3-0. A similar dismissal didn’t happen again hence, this remains famous till date. An Ashes series is renowned to produce some fascinating cricket and though the cricket failed to live up to the expectations, the series provided enough entertainment for the fans and media alike.

Watch: The famously unusual dismissal of Lillee c Willey b Dilley

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