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1981 and all that
Wisden CricInfo staff - August 15, 2001

LONDON (Reuters)
England's sensational victory over Australia in the Headingley Test of 1981 is popularly known as "Botham's match". Yet the all-rounder's unbeaten 149, which set up England's win by 18 runs after following on, is not rated the greatest Test batting performance at Headingley in a list compiled by Wisden.com.

Graham Gooch takes pride of place in the 10 leading innings at the Leeds ground for his 154 not out against West Indies in 1991. Wisden says of his display: "Gooch carried his bat through the second innings, scoring over 60 percent of England's runs (no-one else made more than 27) to set up their first home win over West Indies since 1969. A true captain's innings."

The list has Botham in second place. His innings "changed a match, a series, and even how a country felt about itself", says Wisden.

Not surprisingly, Sir Donald Bradman features twice for his performances at a venue he found much to his liking. He has a fifth place on Wisden's roll of honour for his 334 in 1930 and is also in eighth spot for his 103 in 1938.

The 10 greatest Test bowling performances at Headingley are headed by Bob Willis, the overlooked hero of England's 1981 triumph in which he took 8 for 43.

With Australia needing 130 to win, Wisden says: "Willis produced what Dennis Lillee called the greatest ever spell of fast bowling under pressure. Making the ball kick and buck at high speed, he won the match... to change the direction of this incredible series."

Malcolm Marshall, who captured 7 for 53 against England in 1984 with his broken left hand in plaster, is one of three West Indians in the bowling list. Charlie Griffith, who captured 6 for 36 in the 1963 Test against England, and Lance Gibbs, with 6 for 39 three years later, complete the Caribbean trio.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd